The Hollywood Casino Toledo in Toledo, Ohio, first opened its doors on May 29, 2012. The casino contains 125,000 square feet (11,600 m2) of gaming area, comprising 2,002 slot machines, 60 table games, as well as 20 poker tables. It really is operated by Gaming and Leisure Properties and managed by Penn National Gaming.
Following four failed effort to introduce casinos in Ohio since 1990, a fifth proposal to authorise casinos at four particular locations, one for each of the state’s main cities, was put here on ballot in 2009. Penn National, that would construct the casinos in Toledo and Columbus, and Cleveland Cavaliers owner Dan Gilbert, who would create the Cleveland and Cincinnati sites, were the two biggest investors.
Critics said that Penn National just sought to gain support from the local voters by building the Hollywood Toledo casino, that would face severe rivalry from Detroit casinos. Despite this, the proposal passed with 53% support for both Lucas County and the whole state.
Penn National had reached an agreement with Lakes Entertainment, a Minnesota-based gaming company whose 2008 Ohio casino project Penn had successfully defeated.
Lakes contributed 10% to the referendum campaign and also was given the chance to purchase up to 10% of casinos in Toledo and Columbus.
Although Lakes had contributed $1.9 million, Penn National purchased Lakes’ stake inside the facilities for $25 million before work began.
Penn National acquired its option of purchasing the 44-acre land upon that Maumee River at Interstate 75, site of such a defunct Pilkington glass plant, approximately $2.5 million that after the vote passed. Development on the project occurred in August 2010.
Governor John Kasich consented in 2011 to permit video lottery machines at any and all seven of Ohio’s racetracks, notably Penn National Raceway Park near Toledo. Penn requested state clearance to relocate Raceway Park towards the Youngstown region in order to avoid potential its very own racino competing well with Hollywood Casino.
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