Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has reopened its Derby City Gaming property in Louisville, Kentucky, and agreed a deal to acquire 1,250 historical racing machines (HRMs) from International Game Technology (IGT).
Derby City Gaming, like all CDI properties, will operate in line with the business’s new ‘CDI 360 Degree Approach to Safety’, aimed at protecting employees and customers during the ongoing novel coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
This will include frequent cleaning and sanitising of all high-touch surfaces, as well as mandatory temperature checks of all guests and staff upon entering the building.
Other measures include placing hand sanitiser dispensers throughout its properties, providing personal protective equipment to staff and implementing social distancing at its facilities.
The Derby City Gaming site primarily runs HRMs, terminals that allow players to bet on video replays of historic horse racing.
“We are pleased to receive approval from the Governor of Kentucky to get our team members back to work and to welcome our guests back to Derby City Gaming using national best practices and in compliance with all state and local requirements,” CDI chief executive Bill Carstanjen said.
“We look forward to, once again, contributing to the state and local economy because we know a strong horse racing industry means a strong Kentucky.”
Meanwhile, CDI has entered an agreement to acquire 1,250 HRMs from IGT. The new IGT hardware will operate on Ainsworth Game Technology’s proprietary HRM system, which developed in partnership with the operator.
Terminals such as IGT’s CrystalDual 27, CrystalSlant and CrystalCurve cabinets will be rolled out at Derby City, and at CDI’s Oak Grove and Newport facilities when they reopen.
“CDI is excited to introduce IGT’s HRMs with their top-rated themes to our venues and players,” CDI senior vice president of gaming operations Austin Miller said.
“IGT’s vast content library and reputation for delivering world-class products aligns with our commitment to delivering premier gaming and entertainment experiences to our guests.”