Last week, groundbreaking ceremonies for Penn National Gaming racinos in Dayton and Austintown took place. Both racinos are expected to open mid-2014. The Dayton racino will have 1,500 VLTs and a 5/8-mile harness racetrack. The Austintown racino will have 1,500 VLTs and a 1-mile thoroughbred track. Each racino will offer simulcast wagering and include several food and drinking establishments.

The Western Reserve Port Authority will provide $60 million of the $125 million being spent on the construction of the Austintown racino. The $60 million, made available through capital lease financing, will be used for fixed assets such as the track, stables, buildings and parking lots.