Officials: Sale of Scioto to MTR Gaming a Go

Officials with Scioto Downs in Columbus, Ohio, said May 22 all systems are go on its purchase by MTR Gaming Group, owner of Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort in West Virginia.

The status report to the Ohio State Racing Commission, which met at Scioto Downs, said finalization of the plan is proceeding on schedule. Scioto is one of four Standardbred tracks in the state.

"We hope to have it finalized and recorded with the secretary of state's office in late June or July," said Rob Wilcox, a Scioto spokesman.

The racing commission earlier this year approved the $19.1-million purchase of Scioto by MTR Gaming, which operates 3,000 slot machines at Mountaineer. The company also has a license to build a new track in Erie, Pa., called Presque Isle Downs.