By JESSICA BROVERMAN

Staff Writer

WHEELING — Local racetracks offer a multitude of entertainment opportunities and even contribute to local charities that the community may get involved with as well.

Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack boasts attractions that General Manager Kim Florence believes to be different from other places in the area.

“Our property is a unique attraction in the Ohio Valley for many reasons. We offer non-stop gaming action with our slots, table games and greyhound races; free entertainment at one of our four bars every weekend. We have more than three different dining options, ranging from casual to fine dining and various acts from tribute shows to comedy acts every month in our showroom and a 151-room luxury hotel,” Florence said.

Other events held at the location include live music at the Waves Bar, with bands usually beginning around 8 p.m. and playing until 1 a.m., with ticketed events in their showroom twice per month. A variety of entertainment is presented, including tribute shows, comedy acts, live semi-pro wrestling and hypnotists.

“All of these aspects bundled into one location is what sets us apart in the Ohio Valley. Our property allows our guests to indulge in many types of entertainment or leisure activity without having to travel from location to location,” Florence said.

The property keeps guests returning in a number of ways, according to Florence.

“We have a rich loyalty program that allows guests to earn prizes and exclusive offers based off of their play and rewards them for making trips to our property. Guest also enjoy coming to our property because of our commendable guest service. We were recently recognized as the Delaware North Guest Path Unit of the Year Award because of our high scores in guest service,” Florence said.

While Wheeling Island Hotel-Racetrack-Casino reaches out to guests, they also lend a hand to those less fortunate with their community outreach program called Wheeling Island Sharing Hope, or WISH.

“The WISH program collects money throughout the year from our change box and T-shirt day, and monies are donated to area charities. In 2017, we donated more than $30,000 to local charities. Each week, we donate food from our dining outlets to the (Soup Kitchen of Greater Wheeling).

“Our property is also dedicated to taking part in area charity initiatives such as the United Way Day of Caring,” Florence said.

Another casino of New Cumberland boasts an onsite hotel, slots and table games as their primary attractions. Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack and Resort also provides amenities for guests including onsite spa and golf course.

“Mountaineer Casino is the area’s only full service casino resort. Not only do we have over 1,500 slots, 36 table games and a poker room, (but) we have a 357-room hotel, spa, indoor and outdoor pool, thoroughbred horse racing, an 18-hole golf course and we offer four dining options. All of these amenities are right on site,” said Ali Odom, director of marketing for Mountaineer Casino.

Other entertainment options include slots, table games and poker with guest membership options. Mountaineer also invites guests to experience luxury lodging in the Grand Hotel Tower, which offers a 760-square-foot tower suite.

While the resort provides its guests with four restaurant options open nightly, karaoke and live entertainment offered four nights a week, Mountaineer also contributes to those within its community.

“All year round, we participate in charitable blood drives, food drives, coat donations, cancer awareness events and community events. We also sponsor a lot of large charitable events throughout the year including Make-A-Wish and CHANGE Inc. …

In 2017, we donated over $187,000. Those donations include sponsorships, community turkey distribution and fundraisers with the employees,” Odom said.