“Owensboro Racing and Gaming: Unveiling a High-Tech Entertainment Experience”

Owensboro Racing and Gaming – a $100 million establishment developed by Churchill Downs – is prepared to welcome the public on February 12. General Manager Steve Roof referred to the venue as a transformative addition for the area, providing entertainment, dining, and gaming selections unmatched in Owensboro’s history.

“This is a stunning venue,” Roof remarked. “Churchill Downs has gone above and beyond. It’s a destination where individuals can come to unwind, have a good time, and appreciate top-notch amenities.”

The facility will showcase 600 historical horse racing machines, which vary from standard slot machines by utilizing actual past race outcomes to determine results. These machines provide the ambiance and experience of a casino with themes and games alike to those found in a casino but are calculated differently based on historical horse racing data.

For sports enthusiasts, the Starting Gate sports bar will stand out. Featuring a massive screen capable of displaying one large event or dividing into as many as 36 different games at once, Roof stated that it is engineered to be the ultimate spot for viewing NFL football, March Madness, and other significant occurrences. He stressed that guests aren’t required to gamble to enjoy the facility, which also presents a diverse range of food and beverage choices.

“Our menu features everything from signature hamburgers and hot dogs to shrimp po’boys and Philly cheesesteak sandwiches,” Roof said. “We aim to offer quick and tasty meals so patrons can concentrate on enjoying their time here.”

The site additionally includes a distinct smoking area, separated from the main floor by two sets of doors and outfitted with advanced HVAC systems intended to lessen smoke within the designated zone. Roof elucidated how the setup is designed to keep the air pure while upholding clear distinctions between smoking and non-smoking regions.

“Non-smokers won’t need to navigate through smoking sections,” Roof stated. “We’ve invested in highly sophisticated HVAC units that introduce clean air and expel smoky air. Smoking areas are under negative pressure, and one must enter through a vestibule that aids in preventing smoke from escaping into other sections of the building. With these systems, the air in the smoking zones should be considerably cleaner and more pleasant than anticipated.”

Prior to the public launch, the establishment will host a VIP event on February 10, with proceeds benefiting two community charities: the Opportunity Center of Owensboro and Fight Like a Dozer. The latter is a nonprofit that provides financial support to families of children diagnosed with pediatric cancer, assisting with burdens such as mortgage payments.

Roof, whose grandson recently celebrated five years cancer-free, shared a personal attachment to the cause.

“It’s vital for us to contribute to the community,” Roof remarked. “These organizations perform remarkable work, and we are privileged to assist them.”

The initiative has resulted in the creation of over 220 jobs, with most of the staff already hired and undergoing orientation. While final adjustments are being made, Roof is confident that the facility will be prepared for its grand opening.

Roof is a graduate of Kentucky Wesleyan College and expresses that returning to Owensboro for this role holds significant importance for him.

“Owensboro is where I transitioned into adulthood,” he said. “To return 40 years later and inaugurate a venue like this — it’s truly extraordinary.”

Owensboro Racing and Gaming is located at 460 Wrights Landing Road. Doors will open to the public following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. on February 12, and the venue will operate continuously, 24/7.