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The Batavia Downs Stimulus Plan: Invest $25 million in upgrades

By Howard B. Owens

This should stimulate the local economy: Batavia Downs is planning on spending $25 million on upgrades to the harness racing track, reports WBTA.

The five-year plan includes an upscale conference center, new concessions and a hotel.

Donna Jackett

OK, this is a case of getting too big too fast. They were in debt now that they are finally making a profit they have to go spend it on a HOTEL, give me a break. Go down the road and you will find all the hotels you need. It will take up parking space and I'm sure it will take years to get the money back that was invested to build the hotel. You are not the Senecas. Just expand with more slots and restaurants etc.

May 29, 2009, 1:22pm Permalink
Donna Jackett

Doug, have you tried to get a job there? Not so easy unless you are a retired fireman, policeman or retired high school principal. Take a look around if you go in there. You really really have to know someone to get in. Just like the old track days. If you know someone you'r in. Sorry thats Batavia for ya!

May 29, 2009, 4:26pm Permalink
Howard B. Owens

I think a hotel there makes a lot of sense ... enhances the casino nature ... it should do very well for them.

Now, if the state would just let them get table games ...

May 29, 2009, 10:09pm Permalink
bud prevost

Since they've gone to this length to allow gambling at the Downs, why not all the way? I think the discrimination in allowing Native American tribes to have tables is wrong. We live in the 21st century. You can bet horses, play poker, blackjack, all from your internet connection! Is this a moral issue? If so, it is darn hypocritical to even allow VLT's and lottery!
I wouldn't expand unless I was given even ground to play upon.
Oh...and thanks to the marketing folks at seneca niagara for the comp $ in May, you guys helped us have a good time on a tight,tight budget these days, and we actually left a couple of $ to pay the tolls! Had a time limit, had to stick to it, won on penny slots of all things!

May 29, 2009, 10:59pm Permalink
Mark Potwora

Here is a crazy idea,,It would make paying taxes more fun,Instead of taking state tax out of my paycheck every week,let me take what they should take out of my pay and let me put in the slot machines....They would get it all anyways..Very few people come out ahead playing those things...haha...

May 29, 2009, 11:21pm Permalink
Fred GUNDELL

Wow, Step back and take a deep breath. Gaming in New York should have been legalized years ago. It would be far better for THE PATRONS for private business to run gaming. Competition is always good. It would eliminate most of the problems the state apparently has with the Native Americans running it. But the darn Constitution has to be changed, and that takes time and energy by our disfunctional legislature. So lots a luck.
I do not see what is wrong with an additional hotel attached or run by Batavia Downs(OTB). That is their business. It would give them an additional Comp option for bettors. Wouldn't it be nice to go up to your "Free" room after an afternoon on the slots, and a good dinner, and watch the races( and maybe even bet) from your room balcony?? Sounds good to me.

May 30, 2009, 7:26am Permalink
Fred GUNDELL

Now that I am on a roll, and speaking about betting and Horse Racing in general. I never understood why in the year 2009 we do not have Betting Machines in every gas station, bar and restaurant in the state.??
It would raise the daily handle at our tracks, help the horsemen, and certainly increase the States take at the same time. The few folks that still like to go to the races, can still do it. I'm sure the attendance wouldn't be affected any more than it already is. Just a thought

May 30, 2009, 7:42am Permalink

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