MGM takes centre stage in Ohio

MGM Resorts is now fully operational in the Ohio market after finalising a deal to take over operations at the Northfield Park racino property.

The MGM Northfield Park, as it is now unimaginatively known, was purchased by the company in September and has only now reopened to the public following a full rebranding process.

Operational assets are to be owned by MGM Resorts International whilst the physical real estate remains the property of MGM Growth Properties – the company arm by which the initial purchase was completed.

Formerly the Hard Rock Rocksino, the site is one of the most successful gaming properties in the state, and despite only offering slot machines and pari-mutuel wagers regularly outperforms Ohio’s four fully-fledged casino properties.

Northfield Park generated $256m in gaming revenue last year which is rather notable given that the largest casino resort only brought in $227m and the second largest racino property took in $175m.

Jim Murren CEO of MGM Resorts said: “Over the years, we have strategically and thoughtfully expanded our presence in key US regions where we can leverage our expertise, maximise our cross-marketing efforts and drive company-wide growth. Today’s announcement reinforces this strategy. We remain excited for the future of MGM Northfield Park as it further cements itself as a market leader under the MGM brand and Chris Kelley‘s leadership.” Besides the clear benefit of taking a top-performing facility from a direct competitor in Hard Rock the operation of MGM Northfield Park puts the company on strong footing for when – not if – sports betting becomes legal in the state.