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Looking to win at a local racino?

An I-Team analysis of state records shows the Miami Valley's two racinos are seeing a surge of business in recent months but face long term challenges to attract the next generation of players.
Both Hollywood Gaming Dayton Raceway and its southern neighbor, Miami Valley Gaming in Monroe had strong end-of-the-year performances for last year.

"2016 made us set the bar even higher in 2017. What you do, you must improve upon," said Domenic Mancini, General Manager of Miami Valley Gaming. Jason Birney, General Manager of Hollywood Gaming in Dayton said they also hope to build on the positive upswing in November and December. "We continue to get stronger, month over month, year after year," Birney said.

The same figures show there is a difference between the two facilities when it comes to "payout" to players. The state of Ohio publishes figures that show the amount of money players receive for each dollar wagered. Miami Valley Gaming had the slight edge with a payout in December of 91.2 percent while Hollywood Dayton was at 90.4 percent. The payout percentages fluctuate from month to month and can be found on the website of the Ohio Lottery Commission, which regulates the racinos in Ohio.

A recent study found older people, over age 55, are more interested in playing slot machines while younger people are more inclined to play games that require skill rather than luck. Since racinos in Ohio are limited by law to having video slot machines only, the industry is looking for alternative ways to attract the next generation of players. Both racinos locally are expanding their entertainment options to include concerts and special events.

There is some speculation in the gaming industry that some day virtual reality games may become part of the mix at gaming outlets. People could compete in video games with headsets that give them a three- dimensional view of the action. Future gamers would play against someone in another casino or racino, perhaps in another state or country, and participants or observers could place bets on the outcome of the contest.

Gaming industry expert Alan Silver said virtual reality gaming is still experimental and may be a long way off because it is unclear if regulators will allow it. He did confirm that market studies show there is a generational difference between players and that the gaming industry faces a challenge to adapt. "Baby boomers will play alone on a slot machine while millenials like to play in groups," Silver said.

Research shows young people want action and games that take skill.

"I could be in Ohio. My friend could be in California and we could be in the same room virtually and we could be playing the same game together," said Sean Cope, Vice President of Marketing at Scene 75 in Dayton.

Officials at both local racinos told me they can't stay stagnant. The gaming products of the future must be cutting-edge.

PAYOUTS AT LOCAL RACETRACKS  FROM THE OHIO LOTTERY COMMISSION

2016 PERCENT PAYOUT: MIAMI VALLEY GAMING 

JULY ..........................91.04%

AUGUST ....................91.24%

SEPTEMBER .............91.38%

OCTOBER .................91.16%

NOVEMBER ..............91.43%

DECEMBER ..............91.26%

2016 PERCENT PAYOUT: HOLLYWOOD GAMING DAYTON RACEWAY 

JULY .......................90.77%

AUGUST .................90.89%

SEPTEMBER ..........90.60%

OCTOBER ..............90.16%

NOVEMBER ...........90.30%

DECEMBER ...........90.43%

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