gaming
Ranzenhofer announces proposal to lower tax rate for Batavia Downs
Press release:
New York State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R-C-I, Amherst) announced today that the Executive Budget proposes a lower tax rate for Batavia Downs. The proposal would provide $1.4 million in tax relief.
“The Executive Budget Proposal (EBP) is a first step to leveling the tax playing field for Batavia Downs," Ranzenhofer said. "Lowering the tax rate will make the local facility more competitive and ensure a fairer share of dollars are returned to taxpayers through our local governments.
"I will continue to advocate for establishing tax parity between Batavia Downs and other gaming facilities across the state."
The Executive Budget also eliminates mandated spending levels of 10 percent for marketing expenses and 4 percent for capital improvements. Under existing state law, the oldest nighttime harness track in the country pays one of the highest effective tax rates among gaming centers in the region.
In January, Senator Ranzenhofer introduced legislation (S7397) in the State Senate that would lower Batavia Down’s taxes paid to New York State by increasing the facility’s portion of net winnings from 35 percent to 41 percent. If enacted, the act would take effect on April 1, 2019.
Gaming Operation
- Batavia Downs -- FY 2017-18: Portion of Net Winnings (percent) = 35
EBP: Portion of Net Winnings (percent) = 37
- Vernon Downs -- FY 2017-18: Portion of Net Winnings (percent) = 41
EBP: Portion of New Winnings (percent) = 42
- Hamburg Gaming -- FY 2017-18: Portion of Net Winnings (percent) = 41
EBP: Portion of Net Winnings (percent) = 42
About Batavia Downs
Batavia Downs Gaming, operated by WROTB, is a standard bred racetrack and gaming facility. WROTB is a public benefit corporation – owned by 15 Western New York counties, including Cattaraugus, Cayuga, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans, Oswego, Schuyler, Seneca, Steuben, Wayne, and Wyoming, as well as the cities of Rochester and Buffalo. Since its inception, WROTB has generated hundreds of millions of dollars in operating and surcharge revenues to the residents of those participating municipalities.
