by Marty Evans, the Ohio State Racing Commission

Columbus, OH -–- Members of the Ohio State Racing Commission approved a proposal by Miami Valley Gaming and Racing to increase enclosed seating to 1,168.

The racetrack that will replace Lebanon Raceway will submit revised plans to the racing commission and Ohio Lottery Commission. Joint approval of both commissions is required by the Ohio Revised Code before VLT play can begin.

The commission did not take any action in relation to construction proposals for racetracks owned by Penn National Gaming that have applied to relocate to Austintown and Dayton. Company officials made a presentation during the meeting.

Commissioners approved a distribution of tax revenue from casinos that has accrued to the OSRC during the first quarter of 2013. From the total of $1.89 million, the Ohio Thoroughbred Race Fund and Ohio Standardbred Development Fund will each receive almost $359,000.

Purse pools at the state’s seven commercial racetracks will get $793,000 collectively. Four of the racetracks not owned by casinos, Lebanon Raceway, Northfield Park, River Downs and Scioto Downs, will each get $72,802.

The OSRC will receive $94,403 for specific uses in support of live racing that are permitted by the revised code.

The commission tabled a decision on awarding live racing dates to River Downs. Due to construction of a new grandstand and an adjoining racino, River Downs applied to race on 65 days between May 19 and Sept. 23 at Beulah Park instead. Legislation to allow this development was approved by the Ohio General Assembly.

The commission will not consider awarding dates until an agreement meeting all conditions contained in OSRC Resolution 2013-4 are met.

Although a representative of Penn National, the owner of Beulah Park, could not speculate on how long this would take, the commission scheduled a meeting on April 24 in the hope an agreement is imminent. It will be held in Room 1932 of the Riffe Center at 77 S. High St. in Columbus.