GROVE CITY, Ohio -- Officials announced Monday that Penn National Gaming made an agreement to purchase Beulah Park in Grove City.
The company entered into a definitive agreement to purchase the business from Heartland Jockey Club.
According to Penn National Vice President of Public Affairs Eric Schippers, the company has no plans to move Beulah Park's license, but if Ohio voters authorize video lottery terminals (VLT), "there may be an opportunity for a (track operator) to relocate to an untapped market such as the Mahoning Valley."
He said it's premature to discuss it now, but the company would keep its options open.
No large-scale investments will be made at Beulah Park if or until the VLT vote passes. Until then, Penn National will continue to operate the track with little change.
The Central Ohio market is large enough for the Columbus casino and Beulah Park to offer VLTs without hurting one another.
With the racing industry in steep decline a new revenue source (such as VLTs) will help revitalize the tracks.
Penn National's focus right now is on the casino development in Columbus.
According to John Izzo, deputy director of the Ohio State Racing Commission, the commission needs to approve the license acquisition for the deal to go through.
The OSRC also would have to approve a relocation to Youngstown, and Penn National would have to gather signatures in relocation county from equivalent of 51 percent of voters in most recent gubernatorial election who support the relocation.
Beulah Park opened in 1923 as Ohio's first thoroughbred racing facility and includes approximately 210 acres just outside Interstate 270. It also features live thoroughbred racing from October through May - about 122 days each season - as well as simulcast wagering from a number of nationwide tracks.
The park includes a grandstand, outdoor paddock, a clubhouse lounge and four dining options. During the summer, Beulah Park also hosts live events such as concerts and fairs.
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