Kentucky Racinos Adding Scientific Games HHR Machines

The Kentucky Horse Racing Commission recently unanimously voted to allow Las Vegas-based Scientific Games to offer historical horseracing gaming machines at two Churchill Downs properties in Kentucky: Derby City Gaming in Louisville, and Oak Grove Racing and Gaming in Oak Grove. The games will operate on Ainsworth Game Technology’s proprietary historical horseracing system, using racing data through an exclusive license with Churchill Downs.

This Scientific Games’ first venture into historical horseracing game development; the company also offers slot machines, casino table games, sports betting platforms and lottery games.

Derby City Gaming received its machines in February. Located near Louisville International Airport and historic Churchill Downs Racetrack, the 85,000-square-foot facility currently offers 1,000 historical racing machines with 90 different themes. Oak Grove Racing and Gaming will receive its first delivery of Scientific Games machines when its gaming venue opens later this year. It will offer 1,200 historical horseracing games.

The two Kentucky properties will receive several of Scientific Games’ most popular titles, including 88 Fortunes, Tree of Wealth, Quick Hit, Lock It Link and Ultimate Fire Link.

Kentucky racetracks offer more historical horseracing games than tracks in any other state. Churchill Downs recently announced plans to add a historical horseracing venue at its namesake racetrack. It’s set to open by next year, and would operate in conjunction with Derby City Gaming. Churchill Downs also plans to install the machines at Turfway Park and a nearby satellite facility in northern Kentucky.

In addition, Kentucky Downs, located near the Tennessee state line, is investing $25 million to increase its historical horseracing machines from 753 to 1,200 by this summer. Ellis Park in Henderson has already added more than 100 machines, for a total of 300; the owners are planning to invest $100 million in the racetrack to add machines and make the venue a year-round destination.