River Downs Closing?

[Coney Islander]

I wonder how interested Coney will be in running the racetrack (again) if the current owners bail out.

[CoastersRZ]

If it isn`t profitable for the current owners, why would Coney be interested in such a venture? If River Downs were to close, it could pose some logistical issues with Riverbend parking, since currently not all concert traffic can fit in Coney`s lots and some concert goers use Riverbend lots (like for the May 17th Jimmy Buffett Concert).

[pilotank]

The reason RD is staying open is for the possibility of

video slot machines VST's to be allowed at Ohio race tracks.

Govenor Strickland allowed for VST's last year, but the Supreme Court

overruled the Govenor's decision:

Supreme Court says slots at racetracks subject to referendum:

http://www.dispatchpolitics.com/live/content/local_news/stories/2009/09/21/aslots.html?sid=101

The test will come this November when it will be placed on the ballot.

It's in the hands of the voters now.

Vote Yes for VST's if you want to save RD!

pilotank

[pilotank]

Things may be looking uo for River Downs.

Yesterday, Ohio group drops slots referendum.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports:

The group that stalled Gov. Ted Strickland’s plan to put video slot machines at seven Ohio racetracks announced Monday it would drop its bid for a referendum to repeal the 2009 legislation.

Barring another roadblock, the move would appear to clear the way for the racetracks to install the slot machines. Still, the racetracks remain at a competitive disadvantage: their tax rate is 50 percent, compared to 33 percent on casinos, which are slated to open in 2012.

Hopefully, this will save the track!

pilotank