An audience of business people, local officials and state legislators got a look at plans for a revitalized Rockingham Park, presented by a company that hopes to bring 3,000 video slot machines to the 101-year-old Salem landmark.

William Wortman, who owns 20 percent of the park, also hopes to return thoroughbred racing as part of his company’s plans.

“I am committed to revitalizing Rockingham to bring it to its former grandeur,” said Wortman, the co-owner of Millennium Gaming.

Millennium is the majority owner of Cannery Casino Resorts, which owns or leases four casinos in Las Vegas and Pennsylvania.

The audience, made up of about 50 people, were gathered inside Rockingham’s clubhouse on Thursday, Jan. 24.

They also heard from Matthew Landry of The Innovation Group, a consulting company that estimated that slots at the racetrack could annually generate $294 million to $402 million, depending on how much competition there would be in Massachusetts and at greyhound tracks in New Hampshire.

Half of the revenues would go to the state in taxes, the study assumes.

For Millennium to bring slots to Rockingham, the state Legislature would have to allow for the expansion of gambling.

Gov. John Lynch has said it must be demonstrated to him that expanding gambling will not adversely affect the quality of life in the state before he would agree to it.

“We need the revenue. We need the money,” said state Rep. Mary Griffin, R-Windham, following the company’s presentation.

She cited that the state is experiencing a shortfall.

“Personally, I think it’s a good thing,” she said. “It brings in jobs. It’s entertaining.”

Currently, Rockingham employs 250 people, according to Edward Callahan, its president and general manager. Wortman estimates that as many as 1,200 people could be employed when the project is complete.

If lawmakers agree to allow slots, Millennium could have a temporary facility up and running about eight months later.

A new clubhouse would include a retail shop, gaming areas, restaurants, space for banquets and conferences, a food court, an outside covered grandstand, and VIP boxes.

“This represents a very unique opportunity for all of us,” said architect David Climans. “I think the tradition here, the 100 year history of Rockingham, is extremely valuable and our whole philosophy is to respect the heritage that’s been here all these years, and really to create something that’s reminiscent of what’s been here but brings it into a new era.”

Rockingham, which opened in June, 1906, currently offers live harness racing, simulcast racing, bingo, Texas Hold ‘Em Poker tournaments, various attractions and other activities.