BANGOR (AP) – Penn National Gaming has begun the installation of slot machines at Hollywood Slots, a temporary facility slated to open next month and operate until a permanent racino is up and running at or near Bangor Raceway.

The first tractor-trailer loads of 230 slots arrived Friday at the former Miller’s Restaurant, where $17 million worth of renovations were nearly complete. The facility will house 475 slot machines.

“This is a great day for us. I’m thrilled that things are moving ahead so quickly,” said Jon Johnson, general manager for Penn National’s Bangor operations.

No date has been set for the opening of Hollywood Slots, although Johnson said it remains on track for a November opening.

At present, Bangor is the only location in Maine in which state and local voters have approved slot machines.

The permanent facility to be built at or near Bangor Raceway is slated to cost $75 million and house 1,500 slots.

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Information from: Bangor Daily News, http://www.bangornews.com

AP-ES-10-01-05 1609EDT