Statewide Radio Campaign Highlights Creation of thousands of NYGA Jobs Throughout New York 5,500 Work at NYGA Facilities – Another 35,000 Supported by Industry 2013 NYGA Education Payments Estimated to Equal 13,000 Teaching Jobs

(Albany, NY) – The New York Gaming Association (NYGA) supports more than 40,000 jobs in New York State – including 5,500 direct employees and an additional 35,000 jobs in the agribusiness industry – and added nearly 1000 jobs in the past 12 months despite the sluggish economy.

A new statewide ad campaign launching today highlights NYGA’s considerable track record of providing New Yorkers with good paying and reliable jobs, in addition to the payments NYGA will make to New York’s education in 2013, estimated to be equivalent to 13,000 teaching positions. Many of New York’s labor and business leaders have publicly joined the Association in supporting their efforts.

“The New Yorkers who work at our casinos and racetracks have more than just good jobs; they have the ability to start a career in this industry, with excellent benefits and a reliable income to provide for their families,” said James Featherstonhaugh, president of the New York Gaming Association.

“We are incredibly proud of that, and all New Yorkers should know that our member facilities are more than just the entertainment they provide. As New York continues its recovery, we will continue to be a partner in the economy and for education.”

“New York’s gaming industry provides good jobs and career opportunities for thousands of New Yorkers and has contributed billions of dollars to support our children’s education,” said Heather Briccetti, president and CEO of The Business Council of New York State, Inc.

“This new radio campaign will highlight those accomplishments, and point to how continued development of the industry will further enhance New York’s economy and ability to create jobs.” “While New York’s economic recovery has been slow, our members at NYGA facilities throughout the State have good jobs, with real benefits,” said Peter Ward, President of New York’s Hotel Trades Council,

“We look forward to continue to help developing an industry that creates solid opportunities for New York’s working families.” New York’s racetrack casinos are some of the leading employers in their regions, providing steady and reliable employment that includes health, dental, retirement benefits.

The nine racetracks that make up the Association employ more than 5,500 New Yorkers, and have added 981 jobs over the past 12 months. Indirectly, NYGA substantial support of New York’s racing industry helps to maintain an additional 35,000 jobs in New York, including jobs in agribusinesses like family farmers and veterinarians.

NYGA members have also contributed $3.4 billion to education since 2004 – including more than $575 million so far in 2012, according to data on the New York Division of the Lottery’s website – enough to fund the annual salaries of approximately 12,400 teachers. The new radio ad campaign will be launched in eight markets, including New York City, Albany, Buffalo and Rochester.

A transcript of the spot is below.

Radio spot transcript: “DEPENDS” SFX: Bell starts a horse race, hooves pound the dirt…

GRANDSTAND ANNOUNCER: And they’re off…

VO: Racetrack casinos are a big win for New Yorkers in more ways than you might think. Because it’s not just what happens on the track that counts. It’s what five thousand five hundred jobs at racetrack casinos mean for the families who rely on them. Good-paying jobs with healthcare, dental, and retirement benefits And the thirty-five thousand people with jobs in agribusinesses who also depend on racetrack casinos. From family farmers – to veterinarians –

That’s right: more than forty thousand New York families’ rely on racetrack casinos. But the economic impact of racetrack casinos is even bigger than that. Racetrack casinos generate billions for education. Next year alone, they’ll provide $1 billion dollars for our schools — equaling the salaries of nearly 13,000 teachers. New York’s racetrack casinos. A big win for New York’s economy. 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 $715 million in support of the New York State racing & breeding industry, impacting family farms and preserving open space.

The New York Gaming Association 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.