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Churchill Downs Incorporated said it is exploring a sale of Presque Isle Downs in Erie, Pennsylvania, a move that could eventually affect the property’s online casino and sports betting setup. The update came during CDI’s Q2 2026 earnings call, where CEO Bill Carstanjen said the company could sell nine properties as part of a broader strategic review.
For New York readers, the most direct local tie is that CDI also named del Lago in New York among the properties that could be sold. Macquarie Capital is assisting CDI in the process.
Skill games ruling seen as a positive for Presque Isle
Carstanjen said Pennsylvania’s recent skill games ruling improved the outlook for Presque Isle Downs. In June, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that skill games are illegal, and Carstanjen called that decision “good news ahead” for the Erie casino.
He said illegal skill games had “cannibalized the business very quickly,” estimating that between 70,000 and more than 100,000 machines had entered Pennsylvania. According to the source report, the state has until Oct. 15 to regulate and tax the games or they could be subject to seizure.
At the same time, Presque Isle Downs remains under special conditions from the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board because of financial concerns, according to the report.
What a sale could mean for betting operations
Any buyer of Presque Isle Downs would need to file a change-of-ownership petition and go through a background investigation before taking control of the casino.
The property’s online business could also come into play. Presque Isle Downs is currently partnered with bet365 for iGaming and sports wagering. Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board spokesperson Doug Harbach said a new owner would likely need board approval if it wanted to use providers different from Presque Isle’s current ones.
CDI said it is not looking to sell its HRM properties in Kentucky, Virginia, or New Hampshire.
What to watch next
There is no announced buyer for Presque Isle Downs, and the source report did not say CDI had formally launched a sale process beyond exploring a transaction. For New York readers, the other point to watch is whether CDI says more about del Lago as its portfolio review continues.
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Source: As reported by playpennsylvania.com.
