Dayton's new racino opens Thursday, Aug. 28. If you're wondering, a "racino" is kind of like a casino, but it only has slot machines and horse racing. In the case of this facility, it’s harness racing. Five things you can do if you visit Hollywood Gaming, located in north Dayton at the corner of Needmore and Wagner Ford roads:
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1 GAMBLE
The racino has 1,000 slot machines, or video lottery terminals. They are located on the main floor, which covers 33,000 square feet. Any jackpot of $1,200 or more is taxed. There are no "one-armed bandits" here; everything is done with the push of a button.
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2 BET ON THE RACES
Harness racing begins Oct. 3. There will be 56 race dates, the last on Dec. 27. It’s 5/8ths of a mile once around the all-weather track. Harness and thoroughbred races from around the country will be simulcast at the racino, even when the live action ends.
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3 EAT
The Skybox Sports Bar offers everything from appetizers and pizza to seafood and fine steaks. There’s also a food court featuring Hollywood & Grind (coffee shop), Take 2 Grille and Ciao. Two concessions stands are located in the horse racing areas.
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4 DRINK
The H Lounge features a full-service bar and a stage, where regional bands will perform on the weekends. There also are plenty of big-screen televisions and huge projection screens that will be tuned in to football games and other sporting events.
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5 SNEAK PREVIEWS
The racino has entered into a licensing agreement with a couple Hollywood studios that allows it to show trailers for upcoming movies on huge projection screens. Staying true to its theme, the facility also will be decorated with various movie posters.
