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Charles Town was opened in 1933 and was the first operating racetrack in America at the time. What makes Charles Town unique is its massive slots department that includes more than 3,800 machines. The track has "Smart Play" coinless machines that have eliminated the need for heavy buckets.
In 1960, John F. Kennedy along with his wife, Jackie, made a visit to Charles Town during a democratic rally and enjoyed the newly installed heated grandstand and clubhouse.
In 1972, Charles Town was bought out by The Shenandoah Corporation and then Shenandoah Downs was closed and used primarily as a training track for Charles Town horses. Charles Town now had the ability to provide excellent, year-round horse racing. In 1979, to complete the expansion, Charles Town opened racing dates to include Sundays.
In 1995, Charles Town was facing grim times as its purses diminished and it decided to sell the racetrack. In 1996, Penn National Gaming Inc. acquired the racetrack after a permitted was passed allowing the installation of 200 operating video lottery terminals.
To say that Charles Town is a work progress would be an understatement as the Racetrack has added an amazing "indoor" park, expanded restaurant, and even live entertainment that could give Las Vegas a run for its money. Charles Town Racetrack is truly an experience for the horse bettor.