Churchill Downs Incorporated (CDI) has reached an agreement with casino supplier Konami Gaming, to purchase a range of historical racing machines (HRMs) for installation in its Kentucky venues.
The deal will see CDI use Komani’s HRMs first at Derby City Gaming in Louisville, Oak Grove Racing, Gaming & Hotel in Oak Grove, and Newport Racing & Gaming.
HRMs are approved by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission and use results from previously run live horse races to generate player outcomes, which are presented in a format similar to a slot machine.
The games were ruled illegal by Kentucky’s Supreme Court in September, which said they did not fit the state’s definition of legal pari-mutuel wagering. However, it said that the legislature could update this definition, which it did through Senate Bill 120, which was signed by Governor Andy Beshear last month.
“As a company that is driven to create memorable gaming experiences for guests, CDI is proud to expand its HRM selection to include the latest games by Konami,” said Austin Miller, senior vice president of gaming operations for CDI.
“Konami’s recognizable games series and winning machine formats give us hundreds more game themes from which our guests can choose.”
Tom Jingoli, executive vice president and chief operating officer of Konami Gaming, added: “CDI operates at the highest level of commitment to gaming entertainment quality, diversity and innovation, which Konami is thrilled to support through this shared agreement.”
“We look forward to reaching CDI’s valued guests with player-favorite Konami games and machines.”
Konami is the latest supplier to join CDI’s HRM facilities in Kentucky, alongside IGT, Ainsworth and Scientific Games. CDI said this results in a diverse portfolio of gaming entertainment offerings at each location.
Results published in February showed that CDI made a loss of $81.9m in 2020, as revenue dropped 207% to $1.05bn. The fourth quarter showed a strong recovery for the business, however, with profit increasing by more than 300% year-on-year.