"Thistledown is part of the cultural fabric in the community," Mr. Lokke says of the 94-year-old thoroughbred racetrack and casino.
Listen as Mr. Lokke shares the inside story on Thistledown operations. Did you know that on the property, there are 1,050 stables and dorms for some employees? He dispels some myths surrounding the video lottery terminals and he describes the excitement surrounding opening day which is Monday, April 29.
In 2016, Mr. Lokke oversaw the racino's $70 million expansion which included a parking garage and new restaurants and sports bar. This included a rebranding at the time, too. That followed $13 million in improvements, including the expansion of an outdoor gaming patio, which opened in 2014. The racino has seen significant growth since making these changes.
Hear Mr. Lokke talk about how millenials are affecting the gaming business. "They aren't inspired by three spinning wheels," he says.
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