OFF TO THE RACES
Strictly Slots takes a look at some of the country’s best racinos
By Sean Chaffin
Spring has sprung and that means horse racing takes center stage for many gamblers. Racinos offer the best of both worlds – racing and casino gambling merged together in one location. Strictly Slots offers a look at some of the country’s top properties.
ISLE POMPANO
Pompano Beach, FL
Soft colors, palm trees, and the tropics – head to Florida for great weather and a gambling getaway. Isle Pompano features a welcoming atmosphere and plethora of gambling options. For slots, the Isle offers 1,500 machines for hitting that jackpot. For table game fun, jump in on the action at electronic roulette, craps and blackjack. There is also a mix of hybrid gaming to “mix it up” a bit also. The roulette wheel uses a real wheel and ball with electronic wagering. The poker room offers plenty of limits and games as well numerous tournament options.
A bit hungry after a night out at the casino? Treat some friends at the award-winning Farradday’s Steakhouse, with a relaxed atmosphere and classic American steak and seafood. Enjoy delicious Italian and seafood favorites at Bragozzo or feast at the Farmer’s Pick Buffet, which partners with local farmers and regional growers to keep dishes fresh – and tasty. For afterhours fun, visit Fling Lounge for live music and a massive bar in the center of the casino.
Ready for some racing? The “Winter Capital of Harness Racing” has been operating since 1964. The season runs from Oct. 1 – May 30 and is a regular stop for top-ranked trotters, pacers, and award-winning trainers and drivers. Head to the simulcast area for wagering on more than 20 other tracks. For more information visit www.IslePompanoPark.com
Promotions: Offers the lowest table limits on 3-card poker and Ultimate Texas hold’em and highest return for hourly play in south Florida. Earn up to $1.44 per hour for live play – double or triple points for gold and platinum card members.
MIAMI VALLEY GAMING
Lebanon, OH
Conveniently located between Cincinnati and Dayton Ohio, MVG offers over 1800 gaming machines featuring the hottest games with the best variety, all on a state-of-the-art gaming floor and two outdoor gaming patios.
The fun continues with four restaurants – from Fine Dining to Grab ‘n Go. For fine dining, Cin City is the ticket, featuring steaks, seafood and pasta with delicious sides. The Buffet delivers scrumptious fare for any palate. For big burgers, oversized sandwiches, hot wings, pizza, and more visit the Trifecta Eatery. For that morning (or afternoon or evening) pick-me-up, MV Perks is open 24/7 and serves a variety of sandwiches and beverages including energy drinks, tea, juice and specialty coffee drinks.
Center Bar features live entertainment every weekend with some of the best bands in the region. The Grandstand and track are home to festivals, concerts and shows.
Harness racing offers more ways to hit it big. Book your superfecta or daily double and watch the live racing action January through May. Plenty of simulcast racing is also available all year long and features races from the country’s best tracks – from thoroughbred racing to quarter horses.
Miami Valley Gaming offers the best of both worlds – casino action and racing. Don’t forget to visit next time you’re in the area. For more information visit www.MiamiValleyGaming.com
Promotions: The property will host the Rhythm & Brews festival June 23 with great brews (over 100) and music. Food trucks will offer various cuisine. Admission is free. The Food Truck Festival on the track July 7th is an annual bash and admission is also free.
PARX CASINO
Bensalem, PA
Parx is two properties in one – Parx Casino and Parx East racecourse, offering two great gambling options. The casino features 3,300 slots, 180 live table games, a huge poker room, and multiple restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Parx features stunning design and a sophisticated atmosphere with marble floors and walls, hand-crafted ceiling fixtures, crystal chandeliers, and onyx and wood archways with stainless steel accents.
For the slot machine fan, there are machines of all variety and denomination including Wonka, The Walking Dead, and Clue. Players can also visit “Xclusive,” a private high-limit slots area, featuring an Xclusive cashier and jackpot window.
For poker players, Parx offers plenty of options. The room offers 48 tables with in a comfortable environment with 22 HD televisions, and a three-table high-stakes area. The room offers several major tournament series throughout the year. If you’re looking to take a break, visit one of the Parx’s great dining options. The Parxgrill is an upscale, contemporary steakhouse with classic steaks and chops. Liberty Bell Gastropub offers craft beers, gourmet burgers, and other tasty options. Bambu Noodle House serves Asian-inspired delicacies.
For nightlife, the 360 bar turns into a nightclub at night with live entertainment. Guests can groove to DJs, tribute bands, and other live acts. The new Xcite Center hosts major touring acts like Joel McHale (June 1), Bruce Hornsby (June 16), and Steve Miller and Peter Frampton (July 15). The racetrack offers plenty of fun as well – 165,000 square feet of gaming and the track hosts some of the best thoroughbred racing in the area. The track features year-round racing and simulcast. For more information visit www.ParxCasino.com.
Promotions: Check out ShaqJack BlackJack, a live action blackjack game featuring stadium-style seating, live dealer and exciting side bets themed around NBA star Shaquille O’Neal.
PRAIRIE MEADOWS CASINO
Altoona, IA
Join in on the slot machine and horse racing fun at this premier facility. Take your shot at one of 1,700 slot machines with numerous denominations and games for every type of player. Favorites include Zeus Kronos Unleashed and Sphinx 4D. Also, check out the new Lucky Dragon’s Den gaming area featuring popular titles like Dragon Link, Dancing Drums, and Dragon Spin. Those 7s not hitting? Jump in on the table games including blackjack, craps, roulette, and games like 21 + 3 Xtreme blackjack and Mississippi stud. Poker players can play Texas hold’em or Omaha in the nine-table poker room, with regular promotions and tournaments.
Take a break and satisfy that appetite at AJ’s Steakhouse for the finest chops, steaks, and extensive wine list. Head to Café at the Meadows for breakfast, lunch and dinner served with a smile. Scrumptious breakfast options are served all day. A great way to take in the racing is to visit Champions buffet, to dine in a perfect atmosphere with great views of the track. For a multi-day stay, the hotel offers 168 brilliantly designed rooms for relaxation with indoor swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness center. For after-dinner entertainment, The Meadows hosts big-name acts throughout the year and regional entertainment at the Finish Line Show Lounge.
For racing fans, Prairie Meadows offers live horse racing much of the year. The track is open April 26 – Aug. 11 and hosts quarter horse racing Aug. 18 – Oct. 13. The simulcast area allows wagering on the nation’s top tracks and available everyday. Grab your tip sheet and make your bets. For more information visit www.Prairie Meadows.com.
Promotions: If playing in the World Series of Poker your dream, jump in an official satellite with the chance to qualify for the $10,000 Main Event in Las Vegas. Give it a shot on June 10.
HOOSIER PARK RACING & CASINO
Anderson, IN
Head to the Hoosier State for major fun. This cool racetrack and casino give bettors nice gambling options and horse betting. The property features 172,000 square feet of gaming and racing facilities on 110 acres. Check out 2,000 of the latest slot machines in numerous denominations and popular titles like Buffalo Grand, Texas Tea Pinball, and Pacman Wild. Looking for table games? Make your way to one of the electronic tables featuring blackjack, roulette, and craps – and hope for that lucky streak. The casino also recently introduced electronic baccarat.
The property’s restaurants offer a great dining selection – from fresh seafood and the best in steaks and chops at Homestretch Steakhouse to a nice cocktail or brew at Double R Bar. Go local and check out Dan Patch Brewhouse for Indiana’s best craft beers or dine at the Prime Harvest Buffet for a smorgasbord of seafood dishes, comfort foods, desserts and a nightly carving station. For entertainment, major acts are a regular at the Outdoor Music Center and Terrace Showroom with local live music acts playing each weekend.
Hoosier Park is also home to live harness racing, with a schedule running March 30 – Nov. 10. Simulcast wagering is also offered for betting on the country’s best thoroughbred tracks. For more fun, check out the Triple Crown Club for great libations along with your wagering. For more information visit www.HoosierPark.com.
Promotions: Accumulate 1,000 points or more for your chance to win a brand-new motorhome or $40,000 in cash!
PRESQUE ISLE DOWNS & CASINO
Erie, PA
Less than 90 minutes from Cleveland and Buffalo, Presque Isle offers an elegant atmosphere with festive vibes, along with 50 table games including blackjack, craps, mini-baccarat, 3-card poker, and Spanish 21. The poker room spreads regular poker multi-table and single-table tournaments. Slot machines have plenty of options from pennies to $100. The is also the high limit room to up the stakes.
After working up a hunger, diners might can head to LBV Steak & Pasta for fine dining featuring delectable steaks and spirits with a trendy ambience. The Backstretch Buffet serves a variety of entrees, salads, fish, a bread bar, Asian cuisine, and sweet desserts – all with a great view of the track. The Brew Brothers offer 30 beers on tap for some liquid refreshment, and The Incafe serves quick breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks.
This horse track and casino opened in 2007 and features a one-mile oval track and more than 2,000 slot machines. The extensive racing schedule runs from May 14 – Oct. 4 and runs several major stakes races. For more fun hit the simulcast area and wager that next exacta. For more information visit www.PresqueIsleDowns.com.
Promotions: Live Band Karaoke every Wednesday night at Brew Brothers. • For low rollers, check out the $2 electronic blackjack and roulette.
Hurray For Hollywood
Hollywood Casinos from across the country
When you think casino, one of the big names that comes to mind is Hollywood Casino. With so many properties across the country, it is hard not to. Hollywood Casino is not only synonymous with great gaming but racing as well! And here’s why…
Hollywood Gaming Mahoning Valley
Youngstown, OH
Hollywood Gaming Mahoning Valley is the go-to spot for live entertainment, exciting promotions, and great dining in Youngstown and Austintown, Ohio! Hollywood Gaming Mahoning Valley will add dazzle to your days and life to your nights with free admission, pulse-pounding games, incredible restaurants, free live entertainment, great giveaways and more. You can also visit Rodeo Drive Gift Shop to find awesome Hollywood Gaming merchandise and much more, seven days a week!
With 25,000-square feet of nonstop gaming action and more than 1,000 of the hottest video lottery terminals, you’ll never run out of ways to play at Hollywood. Plus, they put you in the spotlight with their Marquee Rewards program, which offers benefits like exciting monthly promotions, free play, cash, food vouchers and other prizes for Marquee Rewards members.
And as an added bonus, there’s live Thoroughbred Horse Racing from October-April on a mile-long racetrack, as well as a simulcast theater to wager on races throughout the entire year.
Don’t miss out on delicious entrees, such as steaks, seafood and burgers at the Skybox Sports Bar or the free live entertainment, on weekends and special holidays, at the H Lounge Bar.
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course
Grantville, PA
Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course in Grantville, Pennsylvania is the flagship property of the Penn National Gaming family. It opened as the home of year-round live thoroughbred racing in August 1972, and after casino gaming was approved in Pennsylvania, a new integrated gaming and racing complex opened its doors on the footprint of the original racing grandstand in February 2008.
Hollywood Casino is Central Pennsylvania’s most exciting entertainment destination, with more than 2,300 hot slot machines, more than 60 action-packed table games, several award-winning dining venues, live entertainment, and the year-round thrills of live thoroughbred racing. The $500,000 Penn Mile is the track’s richest race and is run each year during the first week in June. Hollywood Casino is open 24-hours a day, year-round.
Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races
Charles Town, WV
Experience the thrill of live thoroughbred horse racing – under the lights, all year long! Home to the $1,250,000 Charles Town Classic, Race for the Ribbon and West Virginia Breeders Classics, Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races offers some of the nation’s best full-field cards for thoroughbred horse races. Hollywood Charles Town also offer simulcast horse and dog racing from around the country, 365 days a year.
You’ll also enjoy the Vegas style casino, Nationally renowned entertainment acts in the Event Center, luxury hotel, boutique and casual dining at Skyline Terrace and the perks of membership in Marquee Rewards.
Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway
Dayton, OH
Find all the action you seek at another Ohio hot spot, Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway. Wager on live harness racing or simulcast horse races. Try your luck on over 1,000 video lottery terminals offering denominations from penny games up to $25.
You don’t have to travel far from the action to satisfy your hunger thanks to Hollywood’s food court and two concessions. Or take a break and dine at the Skybox Sports Bar, a full-service restaurant overlooking the gaming floor and raceway.
When the lights go down, the party starts at the H Lounge, where you can order specialty drinks while watching live entertainment.
Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway Bangor
Bangor, ME
When you play, you win at Hollywood Casino Hotel & Raceway in Bangor, Maine. You’ll find nearly 800 Vegas-style slots, thrilling harness racing and big-time table games plus indulgent dining portions and live entertainment.
With nearly 800 sensational slots to choose from you’ll find all of your favorite traditional reel and video slots, plus video poker and even video roulette on the casino floor. Denominations range up to $10. Visit the exclusive High Limit area—boasting bigger stakes and delivering even bigger rewards and blockbuster jackpots. Gaming hours of operation are daily from 8 a.m. to 3 a.m.
Zia Park Casino, Hotel & Racetrack
Hobbs New Mexico
Zia Park Casino, Hotel & Racetrack in Hobbs, New Mexico will be your favorite place for gaming! Zia Park offers 750 of the hottest slots, the newest electronic table games, casual and fine dining options, live racing from September-December and simulcast racing year-round, all just mere steps away from a comfortable 154-room hotel.
For your dining pleasure, Zia Park offers an array of choices from fine dining to quick bites. The Centennial Steakhouse & Pub is your place to enjoy some local flair with hometown favorites including premium selections of beef, burgers, and baby back ribs. The Steakhouse also offers a four-course dinner for $30!
Looking for something quick and tasty with a lot of fun, great music and all your favorite sports? Head to the Starting Gate Bar and Grill. Catch every minute of the day’s hottest sports action on one of the many LCD screens, including the NFL, Major League Baseball, College Football and Basketball and live simulcast racing.
The Turf Club Restaurant is where you can choose from amazing appetizers, sandwiches, salads and the best burgers around, all while enjoying a great view of the racetrack. The Turf Club offers box seating for the perfect view of the Quarter and Thoroughbred horses as they cross the finish line!
Keep the excitement going! On Friday and Saturday nights, all of your favorite music with live bands and DJs are available in the Starting Gate Bar & Grill. And don’t forget all the fun the rest of the week with Karaoke Night, Trivia Night and Happy Hour! Zia Park is a must for any racino visit.
Plainridge Park Casino
Plainville, MA
For the New England gambler, Plainridge Park Casino in Plainville, Massachusetts provides the excitement, winning and comfort that players expect. The convenient location allows you to spend less time traveling and more time experiencing the entertainment you crave with the hometown hospitality you deserve.
Plainridge Park is the only casino in Massachusetts with over 1,200 reel, digital and progressive slot machines. From your traditional favorites to all the newest slots with cutting-edge technology, there’s a machine for everyone. There are also a wide variety of the latest video poker machines and electronic table games, like blackjack, craps and roulette, to choose from. The game selection ranges in denominations from penny up to $100 machines. If you are looking for big wins in a more intimate setting, stop by the high limit area with the latest in slot machine favorites ranging from 25 cents to $100.
Be in the front row and catch all the excitement of New England’s premier live harness racing April through November. If you’ve missed the live racing season, don’t worry, wagering on simulcast races is all year round – Thoroughbred, Harness and Greyhound.
While you’re rooting for your favorite filly, grab a beer at the Dark Horse Bar. The Dark Horse serves up a selection of ice cold brews and offers a great seat to catch all the racing action. Or if you are feeling a bit hungry, grab the best hot dog you’ve ever had at the Trackside Venue! Trackside also offers a small selection of sandwiches, chips, soda and candy.
But wait, there’s more. Dine at Flutie’s Sports Pub, it’s the place to watch your favorite local teams and all of your favorite sports action. Or try, Slack’s Oyster House & Grill, a unique menu featuring seafood and steakhouse fare with an atmosphere second to none. Slack’s promises to satisfy all those searching for the best in dining. And for those that are in a hurry to get back to the action, stop by the food court for quick serve dining options.
Be sure to catch headlining acts like Lenny Clarke, July 14 at The Loft or live local entertainment at the Revolution Lounge Friday through Sunday. Visit Plainridge today – it will quickly become your new favorite casino stop.
