OTB gives record distributions to 17 member municipalities in 2nd quarter

Posted 21 August 2025 at 9:51 pm

Orleans County has received $85,038 from OTB in first half of 2025

Press Release, Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation

BATAVIA – The Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation has once again set a new record for municipal distributions in 2025.

Second quarter payments to participating municipalities surpassed first-quarter distributions of $2,864,269 by $79,069, setting a new record of $2,943,338. This marks the second consecutive quarter in which WROTBC has exceeded its prior distribution benchmarks.

“I’ve worked very closely with the Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation’s Board of Directors to improve disbursements to our 17 member municipalities,” said Byron Brown, president and CEO of WROTBC. “I’m pleased that we have achieved record distributions for the first two quarters of 2025. Batavia Downs is a premier entertainment destination in Western New York, and our customer base has been consistently growing, which is producing more revenue to benefit our member municipalities.”

Payments in total of $2,838,093, consisting of $2,795,023 in earnings from operations and $43,069 in surcharge revenue for the month of June 2025 were sent out.

Back-to-back record quarters confirm the positive impact of WROTBC’s growth strategy, enhanced marketing efforts, and internal reforms. These payments reflect the continued success of operations and the Corporation’s strong commitment to returning meaningful value to its member municipalities.

Year-to-date distributions through June now exceed $5.8 million, benefiting the 17 participating municipalities listed below:

Erie County, $1,420,108
Monroe County, $1,149,259
City of Buffalo, $584,844
City of Rochester, $443,173
Niagara County, $446,457
Cattaraugus County, $162,893
Cayuga County, $160,289
Chautauqua County, $269,367
Genesee County (Home County), $122,862
Livingston County, $130,819
Orleans County, $85,038
Oswego County, $248,045
Schuyler County, $37,949
Seneca County, $70,733
Steuben County, $197,558
Wayne County, $192,501
Wyoming County, $85,712

These funds support essential public services, infrastructure, and local development initiatives throughout the region.

Effective June 1, 2025, WROTBC’s gaming tax rate was reduced from 49% to 44%, creating additional revenue to support our strategic priorities. These funds are being used to increase municipal distributions, raise pay and benefits for non-executive employees, and lower family healthcare costs, all aimed at strengthening employee retention and community support.

As of August 11, $926K has been collected, with $2.89 million expected by year-end. Any unused funds will be returned to the municipalities.

Across all 17 member counties and cities, which collectively represent over 2.7 million residents, WROTBC has returned more than $269.6 million in net revenue since its founding in 1975. With another $2,943,338 being returned for the second quarter of 2025, these distributions continue to reflect WROTBC’s mission as a public-benefit corporation dedicated to delivering tangible local returns.

About Municipal Distributions

WROTBC returns net revenues to its member counties and cities based on a formula established in New York State Racing, Pari-Mutuel Wagering and Breeding Law. Distributions are split 50 percent based on the amount wagered in each county and 50 percent based on population.

Support for Public Education

In addition to distributions to member municipalities, Western’s video gaming operations have made substantial contributions to public education through remittances to the New York State Gaming Commission:

$22,477,977 contributed year-to-date through June 2025
$21,330,966 contributed through June 2024
$517,129,930 contributed since the program’s inception in June 2005

These figures underscore WROTBC’s ongoing role in funding essential public services at both the local and state levels.

WROTBC’s financial strength continues to be driven by the success of Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel, and its focused commitment to transparency, operational efficiency, and community reinvestment.

Third quarter earnings results will be available in October, following the close of September, with current performance indicating continued strong momentum.

“As chairman of the Board, I am incredibly proud of the results WROTBC has achieved over the last few months on behalf of our member municipalities,” said Dennis Bassett, the WROTBC board chairman. “These record-setting distributions reflect not only the strength of our operations, but also the vision, discipline, and accountability that guide this organization every day. Our Board has made it a priority to support leadership’s efforts to strengthen operations, expand public benefit, and deliver meaningful value back to the communities we serve. Whether through record municipal payments or reinvestments in our workforce, WROTBC is fulfilling its mission as a public-benefit corporation with integrity and purpose.”