Press release:
Batavia Downs Casino Raceway added over $18 million to the Genesee County economy and generated over $24.5 million annually in revenues for the region and the state, according to a new economic impact analysis conducted by an independent firm.
This analysis also estimates that nearly 460 local, full- and part-time jobs are supported by Batavia Downs Casino. The New York Gaming Association (NYGA) released part one of the two-part report today to outline the positive economic impact gaming has had on the local economy.
A second report, which will be released next week, will show projections for future regional job growth and revenues that will be generated if enhanced gaming is authorized in New York. Governor Andrew Cuomo and the State Legislature will consider passing a constitutional amendment to authorize enhanced gaming.
“As a facility we are excited at the possibility of having enhanced gaming at Batavia Downs Casino,” said Mike Kane, president of Western Regional Off-Track Betting, which owns Batavia Downs Casino. “Not only does it mean more jobs for our area, but it means more monies can be generated for the New York State Lottery and for the 15 counties and two cities that our public benefit corporation serves.”
According to estimates from the analysis, in 2011 Batavia Downs Casino provided 457 local full- and part-time jobs, with 313 of those jobs representing direct employment by the casino. Batavia Downs supported 90 jobs for racing and breeding. Wages and salaries for employees totaled more than $5 million.
Additional findings from the report show that in 2011, Batavia Downs Casino:
• Accounted for over $18 million in economic output for the region;
• Reinvested nearly $3 million into the local economy with the purchase of goods and services (including construction) from businesses in Genesee County;
• Accounted directly and indirectly for over $3 million in revenues for Genesee County municipalities, and;
• Generated nearly $20.5 million in state revenues, of which $16 million went toward education in New York State, which is the equivalent of paying the salaries of more than 231 elementary and secondary schoolteachers throughout New York State.
Since 2005, Batavia Downs Casino provided $3.65 million in aid to municipalities and contributed $94.5 million to New York State education and has never missed a payment.
The nine racetrack casinos comprising the New York Gaming Association include:
• Batavia Downs Casino
• Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway
• Empire Resorts at Monticello Casino & Raceway
• Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack
• Hamburg Casino at the Fairgrounds
• Resorts World Casino New York at Aqueduct Racetrack
• Saratoga Casino & Raceway
• Tioga Downs Casino
• Vernon Downs Casino & Hotel
The New York Gaming Association members have contributed $1.96 billion to the state in 2011. Over $830.5 million has gone to fund education in New York State which is the equivalent of paying the salaries of more than 11,900 elementary and secondary schoolteachers throughout New York State. The nine Racetrack Casinos employ nearly 5,500 New Yorkers directly and have created a total of 17,400 jobs both directly and indirectly across the state.
The economic impact analysis study was conducted by Appleseed, Inc., a New York City firm that specializes in providing economic and social research analysis.
Download: Appleseed report (PDF)
With more jobs does that also
With more jobs does that also mean higher wages for the employees? Currently if you divide even 6 million by 457 employees you get a little over 13K per employee and even with 313 employees you get a little over 19K per employee. These numbers represent poverty levels. I wary that it will also bring more money to the New York State Lottery.
Now they are projecting future income but, correct me if I am wrong, aren't the slots pennies, nickels and quarters? With the table games how much are the buy in? When you compare change to dollars, how many people are actually going to spend more to play? Even the Las Vegas Casinos are hurting for clientele.
I am glad to see 3 million reinvested in local businesses in Genesee County. Wish this report broke things down further. Also, I am curious about how much of the profits go to the owners and how many investors live outside New York?