Kevin DeSanctis, president and chief operating officer, says Finamore's responsibilities would include overseeing all facets of operations at Charles Town, WV and "other gaming operations that may develop for Penn National in the Northeastern US, including the potential for slots at Pennsylvania racetracks."
Among its far-flung enterprises, Penn National operates Pocono Downs, another thoroughbred racetrack in Grantville, PA, and 11 off-track-wagering facilities in Pennsylvania along with the West Virginia facility.
"John's appointment will ensure that we maximize the potential from these properties and quickly capitalize on the changes that are taking place in the gaming industry in this region of the country," DeSanctis says.
This summer, Chester, WV-based rival MTR Gaming Group obtained a license for thoroughbred racing and pari-mutuel wagering in Erie, PA and plans to open a track and entertainment complex there in time for the 2004 racing season. MTR also operates the Mountaineer Race Track & Gaming Resort on its home turf.
Meanwhile, Penn National purchased Dallas-based Hollywood Casino this summer, adding properties in Mississippi and Louisiana along with the Aurora, IL riverboat casino. Other Penn National properties include resorts and casinos in Mississippi, Louisiana, Colorado and Toronto.
Before joining Penn National, Finamore was president of the Missouri operations of Ameristar Casinos, which includes the Ameristar Casino Hotel in Kansas City, MO and Ameristar Casino in St. Charles, MO. Previously he held senior management positions with Station Casinos, Inc. at properties in Missouri and Las Vegas. He began his career in 1980 with Westin Hotels and Resorts.
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