by Tom LaMarra, USTA Web Newsroom Correspondent

Lexington, KY — Video lottery terminals at four Ohio racetracks generated a combined net win of $285.72 million from July 2013 through March 2014, according to Ohio Lottery statistics.

Two facilities — Scioto Downs Racino and ThistleDown Racino — had VLTs in operation for the nine months. Miami Valley Gaming & Racing and Hard Rock Rocksino at Northfield Park came on line in December 2013.

Statewide, the combined commission for racetrack gaming facilities was $189.05 million for the nine-month period. That figure includes revenue for purses and breed development programs based on negotiated percentages at each track.

March of this year marked a rebound for all four facilities when compared with February.

Northfield Park led the way with a commission of $10.50 million in March, up from $8.73 million the previous month. Scioto Downs was next with $8.46 million (up from $7.32 million), followed by Miami Valley ($7.69 million versus $6.14 million) and ThistleDown ($7.03 million versus $6.65 million), according to the Ohio Lottery.

The northeastern Ohio market is the most competitive with Northfield, ThistleDown, and the full-scale Horseshoe Casino Cleveland. Scioto Downs competes with Hollywood Casino Columbus.

March was the best month of the current fiscal year for Northfield, Scioto Downs, and Miami Valley. Business at ThistleDown peaked in November just before Northfield, which is located about 15 minutes away, began its VLT operation.