The Warren County, Ohio, government Nov. 13 approved plans by Churchill Downs Inc. and Delaware North Companies to build a racetrack casino that would replace Lebanon Raceway.
CDI and Delaware North, both racetrack gaming companies, earlier this year said they would pay $60 million for the two racing licenses held by the families that leased the Warren County Fairgrounds, where Lebanon Raceway is located. The new facility would be built about 10 miles away near Interstate 75 between Cincinnati and Dayton.
The Cincinnati Enquirer reported the racetrack casino, which would have video lottery terminals only under a 2011 Ohio law, is scheduled to open in early 2014. Various approvals must be obtained from agencies such as the Ohio State Racing Commission.
The partners have said they'll spend $175 million on the facility, which will offer harness racing and full-card simulcasts.