Presque Isle Downs and Casino
Erie, Pennsylvania
At Presque Isle Downs, casino gambling, including slots, table games and live poker, as well as live thoroughbred racing plus simulcast racing, all blend nicely. The property also has four restaurants, including the award-winning LBV Steak and Pasta and the newest restaurant, The Brew Brothers, which features no fewer than 30 beers on tap. The restaurant offers a spectacular view of the racetrack, and there is live entertainment available.
The casino has the latest technology for the ultimate gaming experience. All together, more than 1,600 of the most popular games are available at Presque Isle Downs and Casino. One of the more popular sites is the seven-table poker room with tableside dining.
The track and casino welcomes all groups, small and large. The property is a terrific way to entertain corporate groups, family members, friends and co-workers. Motorcoach groups, reunions of all types, company outings, parties, fundraisers and various celebrations are staged at the Downs. Groups are entitled to free parking and admission, state-of-the-art audiovisual support and a wide selection of dining options. Staff can work with any group’s needs.
When they arrive on the scene, group members can immediately sign up for membership in the exclusive One Club. They can then use their One Club card during game play, which earns them rewards, upgrades on admission to various tiers in the clubhouse and other special bonus offers.
“We’re a total entertainment destination, whether you want to stay overnight or just come for a few hours,” said Jennifer See, director of marketing. “We have all denominations and styles of games and entertainment and dining options.”
Scioto Downs
Columbus, Ohio
Scioto Downs, just south of Columbus, Ohio, has operated a harness racetrack for the past 58 years with racing from mid-May to mid-September. The casino is a more recent addition, having opened in 2012.
“We are not called a casino,” said Ashley Redman, the advertising and public relations rep for Scioto Downs. “Legally, we are not able to call ourselves a casino or slots. We are considered a racino. We have 2,200 video lottery terminals, which play pretty much like slot machines.”
Groups of all types flock to the track and casino. Tuesdays are busy motorcoach days because of the matinee racing schedule. A typical tour group will depart the bus and be greeted by a sales manager. Group members can then sign up for the One Club card, which holds perks for casino play and dining. “Then they can go play a little and grab a snack on us with their free play and dining credit,” said Redman. “Not many facilities do that. Groups are generally enjoying the track and casino for three or four hours at a time.”
If an overnight stay is desired, a new Hampton Inn and Suites is available to individuals, couples, families and various groups.
Entertainment designed for groups is constant at Scioto Downs. There are special events all the time and live music on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. There’s even a live karaoke band one night a week to back up the singers. There’s a Girls Night Out once a month, and fall Saturdays and Sundays are devoted to food, drinks, and college and pro football games on big-screen TVs.
Dover Downs
Dover, Delaware
Dover Downs consists of a racetrack, a casino and a hotel. The harness track is also surrounded by the Dover International Speedway, on which two major NASCAR motor racing events are run each year. Dover Downs presents live harness racing from November through mid-April with some of the finest horses in the region circling the track. In addition, there is also betting on simulcast harness and thoroughbred racing from around the country 363 days a year. Many groups love to dine and watch the action on the track from the Winner’s Circle restaurant, which provides a great view of the finish line below.
The casino and hotel are another group option.
“We operate a four-diamond hotel with 500 guest rooms and a 2,300-slot-machine casino with 41 gaming tables and an 18-table poker room and a variety of restaurants, as well as live entertainment on weekends,” said Ann Stack, whose company represents the casino and hotel portion of the complex. “If you’re looking for a nice resort destination on the East Coast, we’re one of the best.”
Stack said the complex draws groups of every type, many of them associated with conventions. There are no motorcoach groups arriving at her complex during the day, but occasionally groups will be brought in for overnight stays.
The live entertainment is among the best in the region, with acts like Chicago, LeAnn Rimes, Babyface, Travis Tritt and many more.
