Casino Player September 2022

THE BEST OF GAMING 2022

R acinos have been part of the gaming industry ever since the Prairie Meadows racetrack in Iowa added slots in 1996. That brought renewed life to Prairie Meadows and added the term “racino” to our lexicon as a mash-up of “casino” and “racetrack.” It also sparked the legalization of racetrack slots in other states. Slots and video lottery terminals—and in some locations, table games—have brought a touch of Las Vegas as well as a cash influx to the tracks. Many are full-service resorts with excellent hotels, great dining options, showrooms and big-name entertainment. This year’s top Best of Gaming selections come from Arkansas, Delaware and West Virginia, and saw the top three properties repeat for Best Overall Gaming Resort with the three properties switching positions a bit. Bally’s Dover Casino Resort (formerly Dover Downs Hotel Racinos

Best Overall Gaming Resort: Bally’s Dover Casino Resort

Best Suites, Best Pool, Favorite Casino Resort To Vacation At and Best VIP Services. Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort, Arkansas’ top tourist destination, slips one spot but remains a popular destination for some racing and casino action. The track opened in 1904 and also now offers live craps, blackjack, popular slot games and live music. The property remains a favorite for casino players in the south and racked up some nice accomplishments, earning Best Hotel, Best Rooms and Best Sportsbook Prop Bets. Mountaineer Casino Racetrack booked the third-place spot for the

Casino) in Delaware rose to second place last year and now climbs into the top position. Visitors will find plenty of great harness racing action as well as great casino gaming options with blackjack, baccarat, craps and numerous other table games. There are also 2,200 slot machines and readers were obviously pleased with the property’s efforts over the last two years, naming the property as Best Hotel Lobby,

second year in a row. The popular track is located in New Cumberland, WV, and offers a nice casino and racing experience as well as other amenities that continue scoring well with visitors. The property found some nice results for Best Spa, Best Golf Course and Best Sports Betting Options.

Best Overall Gaming Resort ❶ Bally’s Dover Casino Resort ❷ Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort ❸ Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack HOTEL Best Hotel ❶ Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort ❷ Bally’s Dover Casino Resort ❸ Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack Best Hotel Lobby ❶ Bally’s Dover Casino Resort ❷ Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort ❸ Wheeling Island Racetrack and Gaming Center

Best Hotel: Oaklawn Racing Casino Resort

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