Former casino executive named president of Charles Town Races

Tuesday, May 12, 1998 | 1:10 a.m.

Charles Town Races' parent company, Penn National Gaming, Inc., of Wyomissing, Pa., announced the appointment Tuesday.

Buchanan, 48, managed the design, construction and planning of the Fitzgeralds Casino and Hotel in Tunica, Miss., Penn National said. He was director of slot operations for several Fitzgeralds casinos in Reno and Las Vegas, Nev., and worked at Harvey's Resort Hotel & Casino in Stateline, Nev.

Penn National has previously announced plans for a $15 million, 150-room hotel next to the Charles Town Races thoroughbred track. The seven-story hotel will have remote wagering devices for guests to bet on races on Charles Town Races or other simulcasting venues.

Penn National has said video slot machines might also be placed in the hotel. The track already has 600.

Construction is to begin by the end of the year and the complex is scheduled to open in mid-2000.

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