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While it is generally true that brick and mortar gambling establishments have suffered serious losses in revenue in month leading up to and during the recession, it has not always proven true.  Some gambling venues are experiencing health business growth and are looking to expand.  Batavia Downs in New York is a prime example of a thriving racino.

Batavia Downs, is Genesee County, is operated by Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp.  The company plans to invest $25 million in the gaming facility for hopeful expansions.  Renovations will be all encompassing, including new sprinkler systems, an expansion of the meeting place, and possibly a hotel.  One thing is for sure, Batavia Downs wants more slot machines.

There are currently 604 slot machines operating at the harness race track.  This is the smallest amount of slot machines operating at any New York gambling venue.  Unfortunately, that is all Batavia Downs can hold at the moment, without expanding the venue.  Regardless the slot machines are doing great business.  A single month’s revenue in May generated $3.2 million in slot machine revenues; this is 18.11 percent more than the same period in 2008.  Track owners are hoping the state will allow 150 more slot machines to be installed at the venue after renovations.

“We’re at capacity,” said Martin Biniasz, director of marketing for Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp.

“We’re actually approaching the point where we are maxed out.”

It is likely that Batavia Down will get the go ahead for new slot machines; the question is when and how long the process will take.  In the mean time construction is left to be considered. 

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