New York Gaming Association Members Contribute Nearly $75 Million to
New York Education in August
Payments Have Increased by 35% When Comparing 2011 & 2012
(Albany, NY) New York Gaming Association (NYGA) members contributed nearly $75 million to New York’s education in the month of August, according to data available on the Division of Lottery’s website. Additionally, overall contributions to New York education have increased by more than 35 percent when comparing eight-month totals from 2011 with 2012. While much of that growth has been driven by the huge success of Resorts World Casino New York, the seven NYGA racetracks and casinos located in upstate New York have seen an almost 12 percent increase in year-to-year revenue generated for education.
“New York Gaming Association members are operating hugely successful businesses that generate tens of millions every month that goes directly to support our children’s education,” said James Featherstonhaugh, president of NYGA. “This kind of growth is staggering, and demonstrates the savvy public-private business model that New York has embraced for gaming operations.”
According to estimates, through the first eight months of 2011, NYGA members generated approximately $375 million that went toward New York’s education. In 2012, that number rose to more than $575 million. Among the seven upstate tracks – including Saratoga, Finger Lakes, Monticello, Hamburg, Tioga, Vernon and Batavia – total revenue rose from approximately $150 million to $171 million.
New York Gaming Association members currently employ more than 5,500 New Yorkers and have, over their history, generated $3.4 billion for education, more than $170 million in aid for local governments and $740 million in support of the New York State racing & breeding industry, impacting family farms and preserving open space.
The New York Gaming Association (NYGA) is comprised of the nine racetrack casinos located at harness and thoroughbred racing venues throughout the state. NYGA members include, Resorts World Casino New York at Aqueduct Racetrack, Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway, Saratoga Casino & Raceway, Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack, Empire Resorts/Monticello Casino & Raceway, Hamburg Casino at Buffalo Raceway, Tioga Downs Casino, Vernon Downs Casino & Hotel and Batavia Downs Casino.
More information on the New York Gaming Association is available at www.newyorkgaming.org