CINCINNATI (AP) - Ohio’s latest racino is ready to run at a horse-racing track near Cincinnati, while one set to open in October in Dayton has begun hiring.
Thursday was opening day for the Belterra Park Gaming & Entertainment Center at the site of the former River Downs track just east of Cincinnati. The $300 million project features a park with a rebuilt thoroughbred racetrack, slots gambling, six restaurants and other entertainment. The racino offers 1,500 video slot games.
It will employ some 800 people and stay open around the clock.
River Downs opened along the Ohio River in 1925.
Belterra becomes the fifth Ohio racetrack operating with video slots.
Meanwhile, officials at the Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway say they expect to hire as many as 500 workers by this fall. The racino is set to begin harness racing Oct. 3 in a $125 million facility.
General Manager Gary DeWitt said jobs include video terminal technicians and positions in security and facilities management. Most hiring is expected to take place this summer.
Another southwest Ohio racino, Miami Valley Gaming, opened in December just east of Interstate 75 near Lebanon, about midway between Dayton and Cincinnati.
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