Newport Racing and Gaming opened

(PRESS RELEASE) -- Churchill Downs Incorporated announced today the opening of Newport Racing & Gaming in Newport, Kentucky on Friday, 2 October 2020. Newport debuted 500 state-of-the-art historical racing machines with some of the best games from Ainsworth, Scientific Games and International Gaming Technology. The Property also features a pari-mutuel wagering simulcast area where guests can watch and wager on live horse racing and a bar area for convenient food and drink offerings.

“We are thrilled that Northern Kentucky will be able to enjoy this premier entertainment experience and that the Kentucky horse racing industry will benefit from the incremental purses generated through Newport Racing & Gaming,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI. “We are grateful to Governor Beshear and the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission for their support of our efforts to attract the best horses to our racetracks and their support of the equine industry throughout the Commonwealth.”

The $38.4 million development project began in May 2020 with the renovation of the existing building’s exterior façade and the demolition and buildout of 47,000 square feet of interior space into a contemporary entertainment center. Newport Racing and Gaming is located in the Newport Shopping Center off Interstate 471 Exit 3 in Newport, Kentucky, and will provide 70 full time jobs in the local market.

Newport Racing and Gaming will operate under capacity restrictions in compliance with State and local requirements as well as follow all Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations. The “Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) 360 Degree Approach to Safety” will also be implemented including initiatives to facilitate social distancing, personal protection and enhanced cleaning.

All proceeds from “Friends and Family Night” at Newport Racing and Gaming on Wednesday, September 28, will be donated to Brighton Center, a nonprofit that serves to create opportunities for individuals and families to reach self-sufficiency through family support services, education, employment and leadership.

The facility will operate Mondays through Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily and open Fridays at 10 a.m. through Sundays at 2 a.m. CDI promotes responsible gaming.