Scioto Downs History

Situated in south Columbus, Franklin County, Ohio, Scioto Downs is the state’s original racetrack. The horse racing track has been operational since 1959, but the Racino only opened on June 1, 2012. In 2012, MTR Gaming Group acquired the track, which was previously located in Hamilton Township, Franklin County, Ohio. The Ohio Lottery Commission is in charge of the 11,7,000-square-foot (10,900-square-meter) casino that has more than 2,100 video lottery terminals, or VLTs.

Scioto Downs Racino is open 365 days a year, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Scioto Downs offers live seasonal harness horse racing from May to September in addition to a year-round horse racing simulcast room and a VLT gaming facility. Scioto Downs will launch a live outdoor music event series featuring national acts in May 2013.

The Columbus, Ohio community has a rich history with Scioto Downs. From 1985 until 2010, Scioto Downs not only featured horse racing but also the yearly state cross country running finals of the Ohio High School Athletic Association. These championships were typically held in late October or early November. Attracting approximately 10,000 spectators, the meet featured 950 competitors from 96 teams in Division I, II, and III races for both girls and boys. The OHSSA, which is against live gambling, said that the OHSAA championships would relocate from Scioto Downs to the National Trail Raceway as of the 2011 meet. Scioto Downs had recently added slot machines, a move that was also embraced by other Ohio racetracks.

Not everyone opposed the renovations at Scioto Downs, though. The trainers and owners of horses were ecstatic. The video lottery terminals have allowed Scioto Downs, which was previously having trouble, to expand its racing schedule and purse amounts.

Scioto Downs opened as Ohio’s first racetrack in June 2012. Presenting more than 2,100 of the top played “Slots” (Video Lottery Terminal games) in Central Ohio.

The gaming floor is open twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week, and accommodates players of all skill levels, from penny games to high limit action.

One of the best in the state for its kind is the Scioto Downs Raceway. The clubhouse restaurant at Scioto Downs, which serves good food and has an excellent view of the racecourse from its outdoor patio, adds to the area’s attraction. Lighter fare is available at the grandstand, and the Penthouse Racebook has a bar if you only want to get a few drinks. All of the simulcast racing action takes place at the Racebook, and you’ll be happy to hear that Scioto Downs provides year-round simulcast coverage of harness and thoroughbred races. While parking and simulcasting entrance are free, watching live racing will cost a modest charge.

Scioto Downs is home to several race events, including the Charlie Hill Pace, Capital City Pace, Herb Coven Jr. Pace, Dick Buxton Trot, Jay Kaltenbach Trot, Tish Arledge Trot, Ervin Samples Trot, and the Heart of Ohio Trot.

Most fans congregate atop the theater-style grandstand for the races, where 3,500 seats are available and an amazing view of the homestretch awaits them. If you’re going in a group, the racetrack provides group packages that include pre-selected food items, reserved seats, a program, and entrance. These are excellent ways to save money. If not, you might want to enjoy mingling with other onlookers and possibly even forming some new friendships. The best venue to see harness racing action is at Scioto Downs.