W.Va. Track Owner Wants to Go Private

The Journal of Martinsburg reports that the parent company of Charles Town Races & Slots has "completed one hurdle in its efforts to go private."

An overwhelming majority of Penn National Gaming Inc. shareholders "have approved the sale of the company to a team of equity investment groups," the article said.

"The deal remains to be completed pending a review of the company’s license applications by state gaming boards and racing commissions in the 15 jurisdictions within which Penn National operates," company officials told the newspaper.

"The decision to go private was not linked to the company’s recent failure to bring table games to Jefferson County," The Journal reports. It cites Penn National Vice President of Public Affairs Eric Schippers, "who acknowledged the board of directors announced its intention to sell around the same time voters in Jefferson County rejected the measure in a referendum in June."