The Ohio State Racing Commission approved the sales of Thistledown to Harrah's Entertainment and Beulah Park to Penn National Gaming Inc.
CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The Ohio State Racing Commission approved the sales of Thistledown to Harrah's Entertainment and Beulah Park to Penn National Gaming Inc. at its monthly meeting Wednesday in Columbus.
Thistledown was sold for $43 million, while Beulah Park brought $37 million.
The commission had concerns the new owners of the tracks were more interested in casino gambling than horse racing.
"We're taking both [of the new owners] at their word, that they're in it for the long haul," said OSRC Executive Director Tom Fries Jr. Both companies seemed very confident the Ohio tracks will get approval for video lottery terminals (VLTs) that are on the November ballot, Fries said. The VLTs would provide a financial shot in the arm for Ohio's seven horse racing tracks.
"They both have the cash and the resources to make large-scale improvements at Thistledown and Beulah Park," Fries said. "The Harrah's people said they loved Thistledown, its location, and the facility. They felt the Cleveland market has a lot of potential, and were very encouraged. Their team is ready to come in and improve Thistledown."