As of Friday, an estimated 80,581 visitors had been counted through the doors of the racino, including a Dayton man who hit a $50,070 jackpot, officials said.
Business has also picked up at nearby hotels, according to reports.
“We are getting a lot of people from different parts of Ohio,” Brandy Burleson, a desk clerk at the Comfort Inn, said. “Indiana and Kentucky, that’s the farthest I’ve seen anyone come. A lot of older people.”
Miami Valley Gaming, located just east of Interstate 75 at the Ohio 63 interchange, said it has hired more than 500 employees, the majority for full-time work. An annual economic impact of $24 million is projected.
Simms declined to comment about revenues raised from gambling on the electronic slot machines, or video lottery terminals; simulcasts of horse races or concessions.
In early January, the Ohio Lottery Commission is expected to release its first data on use of the 1,600 slot machines set up inside the 180,000-square-foot racino.
County officials said it would be at least three months before new sales tax revenue figures, providing another indication of the racino’s economic effect, will be available.
Miami Valley Gaming also declined to provide more detailed information on “Fred. K” of Dayton, who while playing a Superman Penny Machine on Dec. 13 reportedly hit the biggest of 355 jackpots at the racino.
Other frequent customers reported less luck, but a favorable impression of the 180,000-square-foot casino anchoring the 120-acre complex.
Since the opening, Jordan and Patty Vangel of Washington Twp., Montgomery County, said they have returned once to the Scioto Downs Racino, south of Columbus, but had played at Miami Valley Gaming three times.
“It’s probably going to be our home court,” Vangel said, noting Miami Valley Gaming had recently notified the couple they would receive $30 a week in free play and $15 in food credits, based on their play.
In February, customers will also be able to bet on harness races around a 5/8 mile track. In Ohio, racinos offer gambling on slot machines and horse racing, but not table games available at the state’s casinos.
The Miami Valley Gaming complex also houses four restaurants and two bars.
Miami Valley Gaming opened earlier than originally planned in hopes of winning over the regional market before the opening of two other racinos within 30 minutes, at the Belterra Park (former River Downs) east of Cincinnati, in March, and Hollywood Gaming at Dayton Raceway in north Dayton, in September.
It also allowed time to fine-tune operations before the holiday season.
“We’ve been happy with the volumes we’ve had so far,” Simms said. “The week going up to Christmas is typically the slowest for any gaming operation.”
Players can redeem credits from gaming in stores at the Premium Outlets Mall nearby. Soon they will be able use them for stays at the Great Wolf Lodge in Mason, Golden Lamb Inn in Lebanon, Hampton Inn in Springboro and Best Western in Monroe, officials said.
More promotions are planned.
“We haven’t even scratched the surface,” Simms said. “We’re gearing up for New Year’s.”
Staff Writer Steve Bennish contributed to this report.
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