Press release:
Today, as part of the release of the New York Gaming Association’s 2015 Annual Report, Batavia Downs announced new data detailing the significant economic benefits generated by Batavia Downs to state and local government. Located in Western New York, Batavia Downs is a significant source of funding for New York public schools, revenue for local governments, and quality jobs for members of the local community.
“Here in Genesee County we are very pleased to be part of one of the fastest growing economic regions in the State,” said Batavia Downs COO, Michael Nolan. "We will continue to strive and grow our business as a leader in entertainment and tourism in Western New York.
"With growth comes new business and job opportunities in the Genesee County Region. With an 84-room hotel currently under construction this only solidifies our commitment to the community."
NYGA facilities have been a strong source of economic activity on the state and local levels, providing critical funding for our public schools, tax revenue for local governments, capital investment that generates construction jobs, and support for businesses, including the local tourism and hospitality industry.
Top findings for Batavia Downs include:
- Employs 253 people from the local community; supports 836 jobs in the local community
- Has an economic impact of $83.4 million
- Generated $21.5 million for education in New York State
- Generated $3.4 million to participating municipalities
Top statewide findings include:
- $3 billion in combined economic activity in 2015
- $888 million generated in funding for New York State education aid in 2015, and a total of $6.4 billion from 2004 to 2015.
- $77 million in tax revenue for state and local governments in 2015, and $304 million since 2007.
- $40 million in capital investments to NYGA’s facilities in 2015, and $1.5 billion since building the original facilities.
- $218 million in support of New York’s racing industry both Standardbred and Thoroughbred
- $27 million for breeding and agricultural related businesses such as family farms, feed producers and veterinarians.
The full NYGA report can be found here, including a breakdown of top line findings from each of NYGA’s nine member facilities: http://newyorkgaming.org/press-media/
Western OTB is a public benefit corporation owned and operated by 17 Western New York municipalities: Cattaraugus County, Cayuga County, Chautauqua County, Erie County, Genesee County, Livingston County, Monroe County, Niagara County, Orleans County, Oswego County, Schuyler County, Seneca County, Steuben County, Wayne County, Wyoming County as well as the cities of Rochester and Buffalo.
Headquartered in Batavia, NY, WROTB owns and operates 27 OTB branches, as well as Batavia Downs Gaming, a standard bred racetrack and gaming facility.
