The West Virginia Lottery Commission has authorized Mountaineer Casino Resort & Racetrack to conduct two nights of testing in preparation for the soon-to-be announced official opening of table games.
The testing will debut four newly renovated table-game areas in the facility’s Speakeasy Casino, and will feature blackjack, craps, roulette, three-card poker, and other games, officials said in a Nov. 21 release. Mountaineer received approval to add table games in a June 30 referendum in Hancock County, where the track is located.
Proceeds from the charity nights, which are slated for Dec. 17-18 from 7-10 p.m. EST, will benefit the Weirton Area United Way, which recently announced a deficit for its annual fund drive. Subject to regulatory approval, Mountaineer expects to open the table game rooms shortly thereafter.
In an earnings conference call earlier in November, MTR Gaming president and chief executive officer Edson “Ted” Arneault said Mountaineer hoped to have the table games ready by the first of the year. In October, the track opened its poker room, which is located on the first floor of the grandstand/clubhouse facility.
Under the table-games law, purses at Mountaineer will earn 2.5% of the revenue, and breed development 2%. Purses get 14% of video lottery terminal revenue at the track, and breed development 1.5%.
Mountaineer Casino Resort & Racetrack is the new name for the facility. It previously was called Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort.
