Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway has delivered healthy revenue numbers during its first year in business, but the north Dayton racino has fallen far short of its original job projections.
The racino had 278 employees as of June 30, according to a financial impact statement from the Ohio Lottery Commission.
That number is expected to increase to 330 once seasonal hires are made for the upcoming harness racing season.
Late in 2011, Penn National Gaming estimated the racino would create 1,500 direct or indirect jobs. That number later was changed to 1,000, and in June 2014 Penn National Gaming CEO Tim Wilmott said the racino would have “nearly 500 permanent employees.”
“There’s eventually a trickle-down effect on the economy,” said Dennis Berg, director of the Ohio Lottery, which oversees the state’s seven racinos. “It’s very difficult to quantify, but certainly 330 jobs is better than no jobs.”
Business has been good at the racino, which Friday will celebrate one year in business with giveaways, live entertainment and a giant birthday cake, which will be cut at 7 p.m. at the venue, 777 Hollywood Blvd., at the intersection of Needmore and Wagner Ford roads.
Penn National said the racino has had 1.7 million “visits” since opening. Its net winnings through the end of July totaled $78 million, and the racino has reported six straight months with revenues of more than $7 million.
