The Ohio State Racing Commission has given the green light to new "racinos" in Dayton and in the Youngstown area.
The commission on Wednesday approved the transfer of racing licenses from other Ohio tracks to the new tracks to be built on the site of a former auto parts manufacturing plant on Dayton's north side, as well as one in Austin.
The owner of both tracks, Penn National Gaming, was able to satisfy the commission's concerns that the facilities didn't include enough seating for horse racing. Officials said the construction process can now begin, and both tracks are expected to open next year.
New rules allow Ohio's horse tracks to add slots-like gambling. Some tracks are renovating to add the video terminal games, while others are building new tracks.