Two local racinos saw record profits from their video lottery terminals in the last fiscal year, continuing a trend that was only broken by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The facilities in Dayton and Lebanon have expanded and added new slot machines, and people are spending more on this popular form [of] gambling.

Much attention has been paid to sports betting, which comes to Ohio next year and could be a multibillion-dollar market within a few years. Local racinos are taking steps to try to get a piece of the action.

But while sports betting is going to be big, it will not compare to slot revenue at racinos and casinos, said Danny Cross, managing editor of PlayOhio, which provides news coverage and information about legal gambling activities in the state.