by John Pawlak, the U.S. Trotting Association

Columbus, OH — The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board today granted — pending evidence of appropriate funding and management arrangements — a gaming license to American Harness Tracks, which already holds a harness racing license granted earlier by the Pennsylvania Harness Racing Commission. The company plans to build Valley View Downs in Lawrence County, Pa., not far from Youngstown, Ohio.

American Harness Tracks now has 60 days to offer proof of having secured $150 million in financing and a management agreement for the facility, but if it fails to produce either would lose the license granted today.

Also today, lawmakers in the Pennsylvania Senate defeated an amendment to a bill that would have created another harness racing racino license in the state by a 34-16 count.