AUSTINTOWN — Wagering on video lottery terminals at Hollywood Gaming Mahoning Valley Race Course grew 33 percent in March, the third consecutive month of growth at the state Route 46 racino.

Also, overall wagering at Ohio’ seven racinos increased in March — eclipsing $1.3 billion — to also mark the third straight month for an increase, according to the Ohio Lottery Commission, which oversees video lottery terminals, or VLTs, in Ohio.

Bettors last month at the Austintown facility wagered $153.2 million, up $38 million from $114.9 million in February. Bettors wagered $49.9 million one year ago in March, a month that was cut short when the racinos closed halfway through the month because of the viral outbreak.

The racino in March 2021 reported bettors won $136.2 million, up from $102.4 million in February, and a net win of $15.2 million, up from $11 million the previous month. The percent payout was 90; the win / VLT per day was $436, up $86; and there was an average of 1,129 VLTs on the gaming floor, the same as in February.

In comparison, bettors in the pandemic-shortened March 2020 won $44.3 million, and the racino reported a net win of $4.8 million. The percent payout was 90.3, the average number of VLTs was 1,117 and the win / VLT per day was $332.

Of the net winnings last month, $10 million went to casino operator, Wyomissing, Pa.-based Penn National Gaming Inc.; $5.1 million to the lottery commission; and $50,691 went to support programs that provide support for gambling addiction and related services.

The commission reported across Ohio that bettors won $1.1 billion, up from $871.4 million in February. The percent payout was 90.5; there was an average of 10,227 VLTs on the gaming floors, up from 10,219; and the win / VLT per day was $392, up $74 from the previous month.

In March 2020, players bet $448.7 million, won $400 million and the racinos reported a net win of $40.9 million. There was a 90.8 percent payout, an average of 11,596 machines in play and the win / VLT per day was $272.

Last month, $82.1 million was given to operators, $41 million to the lottery commission and $413,024 to problem gambling services.

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