Churchill completes $2.73bn acquisition

Kentucky Derby horse race owner Churchill Downs – also a significant slot machine operator – has completed its US$2.73bn purchase of the assets of Peninsula Pacific Entertainment (PPE).

The Kentucky company announced this week that it now controls all of the assets of PPE. The operations of PPE are in Virginia, New York and Sioux City, Iowa.

Included are the Colonial Downs Racetrack in New Kent, Virginia and six Rosie’s Gaming emporium historical horse racing HHR venues in the state. Also included is the Del Lago Resort and Casino in Waterloo, New York (pictured), with 1,700 slots, 80 tables and a 205-room hotel, nine restaurants, bars and a sportsbook. The deal also includes the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Sioux City with 639 slots, 20 tables, a 54-room hotel and other activities.

The acquisition also comes with development rights in Virginia associated with the locations.