A trio of summer outdoor concerts coupled with the annual return of live horse racing and other special events combined to set a new benchmark for betting and payouts for Batavia Downs.

Batavia Downs, in August, set a new record for betting at its casino with $107,312,354 in bets made by patrons. That bests the previous record, set in March of this year, when $103,593,103 in credits played (bets) were made by Batavia Downs patrons.

Officials credit three Friday night summer series concerts, live racing, and special events as the key contributing factors for the record-setting August.
“We are encouraged by our strong numbers in August,” said Henry Wojtaszek, Batavia Downs and Western Regional Off Track Betting Corp. president and CEO.

For Batavia Downs and WROTB, the agency’s net win was $8,299,917, beating March’s then-record $7,870,387.
Of that total, 49%, or approximately $4.1 million, is allocated to the New York State Education Fund.

And the good news continues for Batavia Downs.

On Sept. 1, the fifth best credits played, or bets, was $5,198,619, with a net win for Batavia Downs coming in at approximately $433,758—setting a new record by $12,000. Again, 49% of the net win is allocated for the New York State Education Fund.

The strong Sept. 1 showing was credited to special promotions and giveaways and the Labor Day holiday weekend.
“With live racing heating up and all our great fall events to look forward to, we are eager to entertain our guests in September and beyond,” Wojtaszek said.

.38 Special Review From Batavia Downs

Spotty weather didn’t damper what was the biggest show of the year for Batavia Downs. 38 Special made their back around after a sold-out show in 2022. That feat was nearly matched again but fell short probably due to the uncertainty of the weather. 

Gallery Credit: BackstageAxxess, David "Gus" Griesinger