Beacon Journal staff report
The new Thistledown Racino in North Randall will open to gamblers on April 9.
Thistledown announced the date Monday during a presentation before the Ohio Lottery Commission, which is overseeing the addition of video lottery terminals (VLTs) at the seven horse tracks in the state.
The Thistledown facility will hold a “controlled demonstration” on April 2, the commission added.
The racino will begin operation with about 1,100 slot-like VLTs.
Rock Ohio Caesars, which also runs the Horseshoe Casino Cleveland, declined to comment when contacted after the meeting.
In January, Rock Ohio Caesars said it was investing up to $88 million to transform the main building at the racetrack into a VLT parlor.
The company has said the facility would include small specialty restaurants, a food court, bar and nightlife area.
Thistledown is expected to be the second racino to open in Ohio. Scioto Downs in Columbus opened last year.
