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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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