Southwest Ohio Raceway Focuses On New Location

A piece of farm land near a state prison just off Interstate 75 and highway 63 in southwest Ohio, could be the new home for Lebanon raceway.

Warren County Commissioners have been working on the deal. They want to move the raceway when it adds more gambling options, reported ONN's Lot Tan.

"Everyday that goes by they don't have video slots up and running, they are losing money," said commissioner Dave Young. "I'm not a big fan of expanded gambling. When it becomes the centerpiece of your economy, it kind of deteriates. That's real discretionary income that comes out of the regular goods and services that peopl are not going to buy a big screen TV or a car"

But Young said he is also realistic and knows expanded gambling is coming to Ohio. That's why he's been involved with this deal.

"I'd rather have those jobs and investment dollars in the county rather than outside of the county. We're trying to make a cohesive plan so that they stay in the county," said Young.

The warden and the state department of correction support the deal. Harness drivers who spoke to ONN-TV also support the plan.

"I think it's great. I think we're going to have a lot of money coming in to us and help a lot of horsemen out," said trainer Jack McCall.

"That's a good location for it being off both highways. It will make access easy for us and help us move forward," said driver Roy Wilson.

Lebanon Raceway officials say the proposed location is one of the sites at the top of their list. They like the easy access to highways.

They are also considering other locations between Monroe and Dayton.

Raceway officials said a decision will be made soon. Commissioners expect one within the next three months.

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