The Meadows is taking steps to make room for the slot machine casino to be built at the Washington County harness racing track.

Magna Entertainment Corp., the track's owner, has begun engineering work and bidding to relocate the paddock, now next to the grandstand, to the other side of the track to clear the way for the casino. The move is expected to free up land for a larger building that will include the slots parlor and a new grandstand.

The Meadows is one of seven existing or planned horse racing tracks in Pennsylvania in line for a slot machine license under the state law legalizing such gambling.

Mike Jeannot, Meadows vice president, said MEC already has gotten bids for the work on the paddock, a pre-race holding area for horses, but is waiting for the state Gaming Control Board to set a more definitive timetable for the award of conditional licenses before proceeding.

The gaming board had hoped to issue licenses for the seven tracks by March or April. It now looks as if licenses won't be issued until late June or possibly later, because of an ongoing dispute over procedures to create slots equipment distribution companies.

Mr. Jeannot said the delay could affect the timetable for the slots casino, new grandstand and other capital improvements because financing could be contingent on the awarding of the conditional license.

Nonetheless, the Meadows is pressing forward with plans to move the paddock with hopes of having the $2 million project done by spring.

While it is possible the gaming board dispute could slow it down, "we're confident they will resolve the supplier issue and move on," Mr. Jeannot said.

Once the conditional license is issued, the Meadows does not intend to build a temporary facility to house slot machines until the permanent casino is finished. That means the track's casino probably won't be open until 12 to 14 months after the license is issued.

Another track, Pocono Downs near Wilkes-Barre, plans to have a temporary facility for slots ready to go when the license is issued.