WBTA
Batavia Downs announced Wednesday that another County has joined the ranks in support of full casino gaming at the Downs. Wayne County is now the sixth County to support the casino.
Batavia Downs Chief Operating Officer Michael Nolan said it’s important for the casino to receive support from its municipalities so that it can expand its gaming, which will help bring in revenue.
Nolan said right now the State Legislature has chosen to only recognize seven casinos in all of New York State for expanded gaming.
“Any of our revenues go to New YorkState for education; anything left over for profit goes to the 17 municipalities that own us for property tax relief. So it helps on two fronts, number one like every other racino in New York State it goes to State education, the difference with us is any profits that are made at the end it goes to local taxpayers,” said Nolan.
Previously Western Regional Off-Track Betting board member Dick Siebert told WBTA that it was likely that Batavia Downs would not be considered as apart of the seven along with Buffalo raceway in Hamburg.
Nolan said they are hoping County support will push lawmakers to include Batavia Downs.
The Downs is the only municipally owned casino in New York State.