Churchill Downs Inc. Opens Owensboro Racing & Gaming

Churchill Downs Inc. announced Feb. 12 the grand opening of Owensboro Racing & Gaming, the company's seventh premier historical horse racing entertainment venue in Kentucky. The $100 million gaming and entertainment venue in Owensboro, Ky., features 600 state-of-the-art historical racing machines, a retail sportsbook, simulcast wagering, and multiple food and beverage options. The new HRM entertainment venue will support purse funding for Ellis Park's summer racing meet in Henderson, Ky. "Today marks an exciting milestone for our company as we expand our footprint in western Kentucky and further strengthen our commonwealth's signature horse racing industry," said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI. "Owensboro's newest entertainment destination will drive new tourism, entertainment and economic opportunities in eastern Daviess County." Churchill Downs bought Ellis Park in 2022 for $79 million, and according to CDI, the company has already invested more than $8.5 million in enhancements and repairs on the property, with an additional $5 million slated for further improvements in 2025. HHR gaming has been highly profitable for racetrack operators and fueled purse growth at Kentucky racetracks. CDI, which owns numerous racetracks with HHR gaming, reported record net income of $65.4 million in the third quarter of 2024. In 2024, Ellis reported a 20% increase in all-sources handle to $72.7 million for its 25 race days, up $12.2 million from 2023's 24-day meeting. When compared with the 23-day meet of 2022, last year's handle was up by more than $23 million.