Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI), a renowned gaming and entertainment company, has successfully completed its acquisitions in both New Hampshire and Iowa. With the purchase of Chasers Poker Room in Salem, New Hampshire, and the approval of the acquisition of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City in Iowa, CDI is poised to expand its footprint in the gaming industry. These strategic moves reflect CDI’s commitment to enhancing charitable gaming offerings and bolstering its historical horse racing operations.
Expanding Charitable Gaming in New Hampshire:
CDI’s acquisition of Chasers Poker Room, a leading charitable gaming operator in New Hampshire, has received approval from the New Hampshire Lottery Commission. Chasers, conveniently located just 30 minutes from downtown Boston, offers poker and a diverse range of table games. Building upon this success, CDI plans to construct an expanded charitable gaming facility, featuring up to 800 gaming positions. The facility will include historical racing machines and table games, with an estimated total investment of approximately $150 million. CDI’s track record of excellence in historical horse racing operations positions them well to create a state-of-the-art facility that will benefit both players and local nonprofit organizations.
Supporting Nonprofits in New Hampshire:
CDI’s CEO, Bill Carstanjen, expressed excitement about the opportunity to support nonprofits in New Hampshire as the leading gaming operator in charitable contributions. By expanding their operations in the state, CDI aims to make a meaningful difference in the community. With a focus on philanthropy, CDI’s presence in New Hampshire will foster economic growth and provide additional resources for charitable causes.
Historical Horse Racing Expansion:
New Hampshire marks the fourth state in which CDI operates historical horse racing. Alongside Kentucky and Louisiana, CDI plans to introduce historical racing machines (HRMs) in Virginia upon closing its pending acquisition of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment. This expansion not only diversifies CDI’s geographical presence but also broadens the scope of historical horse racing, a popular form of entertainment for racing enthusiasts.
Acquisition of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City:
The Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission recently granted unanimous approval for CDI’s acquisition of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City. This $2.75 billion deal includes a 45,000-square-foot venue with 639 slot machines, 20 gaming tables, a 54-room hotel, a sportsbook, live entertainment venues, and restaurants. By maintaining the existing agreement with Missouri River Historic Development, the local nonprofit holding the casino’s state gaming license, CDI will continue contributing 4.25% of revenues to support charities, civic groups, and local government in Woodbury and the surrounding area.
Churchill Downs Incorporated’s recent acquisitions in New Hampshire and Iowa demonstrate the company’s commitment to expanding its gaming operations and supporting charitable initiatives. With the completion of the Chasers Poker Room purchase, CDI plans to construct an enhanced charitable gaming facility, while the acquisition of Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sioux City strengthens CDI’s presence in the Iowa market. These strategic moves position CDI as a leading gaming operator and enable them to make a positive impact on the communities they serve. Through charitable contributions and the introduction of historical horse racing in multiple states, CDI continues to evolve and provide exceptional entertainment experiences for gaming enthusiasts.