Batavia Downs Casino has announced that its $27-million expansion has been approved by the New York State Lottery
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The expansion, which is slated to begin immediately, would make repairs to the roof, replace the facility’s neon sign with an energy efficient LED one, and, most notably, bring the facility’s second-story gaming floor down to ground level. The project is expected to be one of the largest construction projects in Western New York this year.
“We are pleased to begin this long anticipated project," said Mike Kane, president of Western Regional Off-Track Betting and Batavia Downs Casino. “The construction will create jobs both during the building of our new facility and inside the casino once the expansion is completed.
Since 2005, Batavia Downs Casino has contributed over $107 million to New York State Education through the Lottery and over 71 Million has been distributed to the 15 counties of Western New York and the two cities of Buffalo and Rochester.
“The expansion will add about 200 machines to the gaming floor, and we expect an increase in the yearly payments given back to the citizens of New York State,” said Kane.
New restaurants will be added to the facility. The Tim Horton’s currently on the second floor will be expanded once it occupies its new space on the first floor. Batavia Downs Casino’s Ambassador will have his own space onsite as well.
"The Thurman Thomas sports bar will give local sports fans a new, unique place to cheer on their favourite teams while enjoying food, drink and local musical entertainment,” said Ryan Hasenauer, Director of Marketing.
(Batavia)