VLT Play Cools Off at Racino in January

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Last week’s polar vortex likely put a chill on visitors to Hollywood Gaming at Mahoning Valley Race Course and wagers on video lottery terminals there.

January wagers on VLTs at the Austintown racino were down more than $10 million from the month before, but still came out nearly $10 million ahead of wagers in January 2018.

The Ohio Lottery Commission, which regulates VLT play in the state, released the results Thursday afternoon.

VLT play at the racino totaled $95.67 million last month, down from $105.32 million in December, the second-best month since its opening in September 2014. In January 2015, VLT play hit $85.84 million.

“The severe cold certainly had an impact on business,” said Eric Schippers, Penn National senior vice president of public affairs and government relations.

Patrons at the Austintown racino took home $84.84 million in January, down from $93.82 million in December but up from $75.86 million in January 2016.

January’s net win for the racino – credits played less credits won and promotional play credits – was $9.41 million, down from $10.07 million the month before but up from $8.79 million a year earlier.

The commission paid last month to the racino’s operator, Penn National Gaming Inc., was $6.23 million, down from $6.66 million in December but up from $5.81 million in January 2018.

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.