Sandy’s Racing and Gaming is the newest gambling facility that is available for West Virginia gamblers after opening on Oct. 24. However, West Virginians will need to cross the state border into Ashland, Kentucky, to enjoy what Sandy’s Racing and Gaming has to offer.
The establishment operates much like a casino, despite casino games being prohibited in the state. It is actively marketing to West Virginians, especially those close to the Kentucky border, to check out the new property.
Sandy’s Racing and Gaming provides a lot for WV gamblers
Just like other retail West Virginia casinos, Sandy’s Racing and Gaming has plenty of gambling machines, in addition to first-class amenities. The facility offers 670 Historic Horse Racing (HHR) terminals, which are similar to slot machines, but are considered skill games. All of the games are based on information from previous horse races all over the country.
General manager, John Marshall, told PlayWV the benefits of playing HHR machines:
“The HHR games are a little bit different than a Video Lottery Terminals and a slot machine. With the math behind it and the technology that drives the outcomes, we feel that it’s a better player experience. People feel the payback and win more often with HHR machines than on a slot machine.”
Sandy’s Racing and Gaming is partnered with some of the top gaming manufacturers, such as Wheel of Fortune, which can also be found on West Virginia online casinos. Others include Triple Power Buffalo and Devil’s Lock.
In addition to HHR games, the establishment holds a 5,200-square-foot retail BetMGM Sportsbook. There are many West Virginians who have used the online BetMGM WV Sportsbook and BetMGM WV Casino inside the Mountain State.
In addition to the games and sportsbook, Sandy’s has multiple stages for live entertainment and several eating venues for guests.
Sandy’s marketing plans to drive customers, especially from West Virginia
Marshall told PlayWV that Sandy’s is drawing about 1,000 people per day from Sunday through Thursday. The attendance has doubled to 2,000, and tripled to 3,000, on Fridays and Saturdays.
Sandy’s is offering several promotions during the month of December in order to attract new customers. Some of those are:
- Dec. 15: Giving away $500 in bonuses every 15 minutes from 4 p.m. to 12 a.m.
- Dec. 29: Brand new can-am Defender XMR giveaway
Marshall said of the new property:
“The key about opening properties like this is to drive a visit the first time. Once you can drive the first trip, the customer can decide for themselves whether or not this is for them.”
Now that Sandy’s has been established for nearly two months, Marshall told PlayWV that marketing plans are expected to “ratchet up” over the next three to six months. A general awareness campaign is going to span into Kentucky, Ohio and West Virginia, especially in towns such as Huntington and Barboursville.
Marshall also mentioned a potential partnership with Marshall University, located in Huntington, West Virginia. A sign on Marshall’s baseball field or inside the basketball arena is an example of future marketing.
“Whether it’d be through sponsorship or participation, the goal is to be recognizable to their fans and their attendance.”
Marshall said that Sandy’s has already made charitable donations to businesses in Huntington, further cementing a presence in the Mountain State.
He is making sure that Sandy’s is for everyone, especially those in West Virginia.
