Churchill Downs to hire 50 staff in egaming push
US gambling group lines up 50 new roles as it aims to boost online gaming prospects
Kentucky-based horseracing operator Churchill Downs is to hire up to 50 new employees as part of a $4m expansion as it eyes a move into online gambling.
The group received approval from the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority last week for $1m in tax incentives to create the positions, which will predominately relate to software development.
The Courier-Journal reports that the hires will handle increased online gambling activities at the company, with Churchill Downs preparing for state and federal legislation that would allow online gambling.
Churchill Downs is already licensed to receive online horseracing stakes through its TwinSpires.com business, which posted a double-digit rise in net revenues last year.
The operator formed its interactive division Churchill Downs Interactive last October, incorporating TwinSpires.com, social gaming website Luckity.com and the US operators of poker content, brand and publishing company Bluff Media.
The $4m expansion includes investment into new office space and capital equipment, with employees set to be based either in Lexington, California or Atlanta.