West Virginia Racinos Could Open Satellite Locations

West Virginia lawmakers will consider House Bill 2901, which would allow the state’s four racinos to open satellite locations in their home counties, and offer table games, slots, sports betting and simulcast racing. Only Wheeling Island Casino (l.) is interested since it’s affected by flooding and is expecting to be impacted by upcoming major highway construction.

The West Virginia House of Delegates will consider House Bill 2901, a measure that would allow the state’s four racetrack casinos to operate satellite locations within their home counties in any building they own or lease; the site could offer table games, slots, sports betting and possibly simulcast racing but not a racetrack or hotel.

Under the bill, the original host city would continue to receive its due portion of revenue and any revenue generated by the new site would be divided between the original and the new host city.

The West Virginia Racing Association supports the bill. Association President John Cavacini said Delaware North, owners of Wheeling Island and Mardi Gras casinos, would like to open a satellite location at the Highlands shopping, dining and entertainment development just outside of Wheeling. He said the company is concerned about diminished traffic at Wheeling Island from annual flooding and pending major construction work on the Interstate 70 bridges. Cavacini said none of the other racino owners have expressed an interest in satellite locations.

State Del. Erikka Storch said Wheeling Island Casino will face substantial losses when I-70 construction through Wheeling starts later this year. “All we’re trying to do is, for once, get in front of what we know is coming,” she said. Storch said Wheeling Island is difficult to access from I-70, even without road construction. She added it often must close due to flooding and competes with two Pittsburgh-area casinos.

The West Virginia Lottery would have to approve licenses for the satellite locations, assuring local ordinances and zoning issues are complied with.