Ohio racinos had another strong month in April, but the streak of monthly increasing revenues came to an end. From December through March, racino revenues grew each month. But the record set in March will likely stand as the highest revenue month this year.
Ohio’s seven horse racing tracks offer slot machine gaming regulated by the Ohio Lottery Commission. In April, Ohio racinos brought in just over $118 million in revenue from over $1.3 billion in credits played on the machines.
Ohio racino revenue falls slightly but still strong in April
The April figure marks a 5.7% decrease month-over-month. Still, April’s revenue ranks as the second-highest-earning month in the past year.
The previous month, March, broke the record for the highest monthly revenue for the racinos, at $125.2 million.
Year-over-year, April revenue decreased by 3.8%, or about $4.7 million.
Ohio racino total revenue:
April 2023: $118,064,916
March 2023: $125,197,091
April 2022: $122,732,578
Only the largest racinos increased revenues over last year
With another month on the books, the racinos all retained their positions in the revenue ranking. MGM Northfield Park remains the top-earning racino by far, bringing in over $6 million more than the next highest, Miami Valley Gaming. Miami Valley earned less than $1 million more than its closest cohort, Eldorado Scioto Downs.
MGM Northfield Park and Miami Valley Gaming were the only two racinos to grow their revenue over last year’s numbers, though not by large margins. All the other racinos brought in less than they did in April 2022. The most notable drop was Eldorado’s 12% decrease from last April’s $22.5 million.
Ohio racino revenue comparison (millions):
| Ohio Racino | April 2023 | March 2023 | April 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|
| MGM Northfield Park | $26.5 | $26.4 | $25.6 |
| Miami Valley Gaming | $20.5 | $22.3 | $20.1 |
| Eldorado Scioto Downs | $19.8 | $21.4 | $22.5 |
| JACK Thistledown | $16.7 | $17.4 | $17.2 |
| Hollywood Mahoning Valley | $13.9 | $14.9 | $14.5 |
| Hollywood Dayton | $13.2 | $14.7 | $14.2 |
| Belterra Park | $7.5 | $8.0 | $8.6 |
| Total | $118.06 | $125.2 | $122.7 |
Ohio’s racinos are expected to break another annual revenue record this year, based on earnings numbers so far. That’s not a tough prediction to make, since Ohio’s overall gambling revenues have increased every year since 2012. Gambling is getting even more popular in the state, and the launch of sports betting in Ohio underlines that fact.
Early numbers suggest that Ohio could land as the second-largest market for sports betting in the country. Racinos and casinos in the state have all made room to accept sports wagers in addition to the horse racing, slots and table games they already offer. However, 97-98% of Ohio’s sports betting volume is taken via online sportsbooks. Nonetheless, Ohioans are spending more money than ever on legal gambling.
Ohio racinos and casinos have partnered with retail sportsbook operators, and are now open for business:
- JACK Cleveland Casino: BetJACK Sportsbook
- Hollywood Casino Toledo: Barstool Sportsbook
- Hollywood Casino Columbus: Barstool Sportsbook
- Hard Rock Casino Cincinnati: Hard Rock Sportsbook
- JACK Thistledown Racino: BetJACK Sportsbook
- MGM Northfield Park: BetMGM Sportsbook
- Scioto Downs: Caesars Sportsbook
- Miami Valley Gaming: MVGBet Sportsbook
- Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway: Barstool Sportsbook
- Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley: Barstool Sportsbook
- Belterra Park: FanDuel Sportsbook
Scioto Downs adds new grandstand
Sportsbooks aren’t the only new addition to Ohio’s racino landscape. Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs celebrated the grand opening of a new 30,000-square-foot grandstand earlier this month.
The grandstand seats 730 in stadium seats, and a new patio seats 280 more with an even closer view of the track. Two VIP rooms and private balconies overlooking the track were also added.
The renovations extend to the clubhouse and track as well. There’s a new winners circle, new track fencing, and a renovated clubhouse patio with a new teller area, self-service kiosks, new TVs and a patio bar.
Eldorado Scioto Downs features 90 days of live racing, from May to September. The first live harness races with the new grandstand kick off on Thursday, May 11 at the Columbus track. Time will tell if the new amenities will be a big enough draw to increase Eldorado’s VLT revenue.
Eldorado Gaming Scioto Downs is operated by Caesars Entertainment, who also offers the online Caesars Sportsbook and Caesars Racebook in Ohio. In addition, Eldorado Gaming hosts a retail Caesars Sportsbook location.
