Batavia, Saratoga, & Yonkers host lucrative weekly contests for 20,000+ account holders
SARATOGA SPRINGS, New York (June 22, 2016) – Prominent New York State advance deposit wagering (ADW) platforms BataviaBets, EmpireCityBets, and SaratogaBets, citing positive handle trends and player feedback, today announced that they will continue to offer legal online handicapping contests. Fully approved and regulated by the New York State Gaming Commission, members of the joint promotional initiative have all agreed to extended terms to offer the online contests for an additional calendar year.
“We are pleased that our initiative with Saratoga and Empire City will continue. This partnership, related to both the technical aspects of the contests as well as the shared prize pool structuring, is like none other in the racing industry” said Mike Kane, President of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation and Batavia Downs. “This innovative format places players from three ADW groups into the same contest pools – we have the opportunity to share resources, while also implementing a marketable component to attract and retain players.”
BataviaBets, EmpireCityBets, and SaratogaBets have been operating collaboratively since late 2015 to offer free, weekly online handicapping contests that are accessible for account holders at their respective ADW websites. Players only need an active ADW (live wagers placed) account on the day of the contest to compete, and New York State horseplayers compete head-to-head in the same contest pools. A $750 weekly prize is awarded, with each ADW platform currently contributing $250 to the prize pool.
“New York’s ADW operators face an uphill battle in this industry, and sharing resources to ensure players remain loyal and engaged is critically important,“ said Robert Galterio, General Manager of Empire City Casino . “We applaud the New York Gaming Commission for their support of this initiative.”
Contests held by BataviaBets, EmpireCityBets, and SaratogaBets have been held weekly throughout 2016, and have awarded over $15,000 in total prize money to date. Online handicapping competition featuring both thoroughbred and harness products will continue every week, and interested New York horseplayers are encouraged to sign up for an account at their regional ADW provider to participate.
“We are pleased that our partnership will continue with the New York ADW affiliates, in the best interest of New York racing, and the industry as a whole” said John Matarazzo, Director of Racing Operations at Saratoga Casino Hotel. “We’re also looking forward to expanding on the contest formats, prizes, and ADW participation in the coming months.”
Saratoga Casino Hotel, located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY, features over 1,700 slots, electronic table games, Vapor, two full-service restaurants with buffets, a casual dining restaurant, three full-service bars, deli and a variety of guest services including valet parking and coat check. The all-new 117-room luxury hotel featuring Morton’s® The Steakhouse will be opening this summer.
Reservations are available now at www.saratogacasino.com. Operating hours for the gaming facility are 9 a.m. to 5 a.m. every day. Simulcast races can be viewed seven days a week and live harness racing runs March through mid-December. For a full racing schedule and additional information, please visit www.saratogacasino.com or call 800-727-2990. Must be 18 years of age or older to play video gaming machines or wager on horses. Please play responsibly.
Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway features: 5,310 slot machines, electronic roulette and video craps, dining in the Empire Terrace Restaurant, which overlooks the track for live harness racing, and Nonno’s Trattoria for Italian cuisine, as well as a quick bite at the International Food Court and its wide ranging menu. The multi-faceted Good Time Room is available for parties, benefits, weddings, and major events for up to 500.
Conveniently located off NYS Thruway Exit 48, you can discover why Batavia Downs Gaming is the area’s premier entertainment destination! Open daily 8 a.m. to 4 a.m. with over 777 of the hottest and most in-demand games as well as Live Harness Racing from the end of July to December. Batavia Downs Gaming features Thurman Thomas’ Sports Bar: 34 Rush, and 3 restaurants: Homestretch Grill, Fortunes, or enjoy the elegant setting of The Clubhouse. Also onsite is Batavia Downs Racetrack, America’s Oldest Lighted Harness Track. Batavia Downs Gaming is owned and operated by Western Regional Off-Track Betting, a public benefit corporation. Municipalities that own Batavia Downs Gaming include: City of Buffalo, Cattaraugus County, Cayuga County, Chautauqua County, Erie County, Genesee County, Livingston County, Monroe County, Niagara County, Orleans County, Oswego County, City of Rochester, Schuyler County, Seneca County, Steuben County, Wayne County, and Wyoming County. For additional information, please visit www.bataviadownsgaming.com or call 800-724-2000. Must be 18 years of age or older to play video gaming machines or wager on horses. Please play responsibly.
Media Contact:
Alex Savage
Racing Development and Simulcast Manager
Saratoga Casino Hotel
(518) 583-5743
asavage@SaratogaCasino.com
