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Saratoga Gaming And Raceway Celebrates 3rd Anniversary And Expansion

Saratoga Springs, N.Y. (Jan. 23, 2007) — Saratoga Gaming and Raceway unveiled more of its expansion plans Tuesday. New York State’s first video gaming facility announced celebration plans for its third anniversary, along with expansion progress and construction bid awards.

Construction on the addition is moving ahead towards an anticipated opening in May. The total number of video gaming machines offered is expanding by 431 to more than 1700 total. The new gaming floor area will also host a High Limit area featuring games with denominations up to $25. The new Garden Buffet restaurant will seat approximately 300 guests and will offer reasonably priced selections from an array of international cuisines. 
 
The night club, Vapor, will be designed to host a number of different entertainment options such as live bands and performers; disc jockeys; and special events including major sporting events and private parties. It features two floors of seating and two full-scale bars. Vapor is already booking into the summer with special events including two high-profile charity fundraisers; Boogie Off Broadway to benefit the Double H Ranch, and the 25th Annual Hospital Gala to benefit Saratoga Hospital.
 
Architectural design for the project was completed by Connecticut-based JCJ Architecture, the same firm that designed the gaming facility and Fortunes restaurant. Buffalo-based LPCiminelli has been selected as the general contractor, with construction crews supplied by local sub-contractors. Construction contracts have been awarded to August Bohl Contracting Company, Condor Fire & Sprinkler, D.A. Collins Companies, Falcon, LLC East, General Mechanical Group, Kasselman Electric Co., Otis Elevator, and Stone Bridge Iron & Steel. The expansion project will create approximately 100 new, permanent job positions. The official ground breaking took place on October 2, 2006.
 
The third anniversary celebration will include a grand prize drawing held on the anniversary date, January 28, featuring a 2007 Hummer H3 giveaway and $12,000 in cash prizes.  That brings the total prize giveaways for the month of January to over $130,000. In addition, the buffet restaurant, Fortunes, will be offering a Prime Rib dinner for only $14.95 Tuesday through Saturday in January and February.
 
2006 was a record breaking year for the Harness track. Prior to the addition of the gaming facility in 2004, the highest total purses were $3.1 million dollars; in 2006 that amount rose to $12 million dollars, and the handle increased last year to a record $64 million dollars. “On the 2006 Breeder’s Cup day alone racing handle was a record $905,000” said John Matarazzo, Director of Racing Operations. He projects that in 2007 the purses will exceed $13 million dollars. In 2007 there will be 170 live racing days and simulcasting will increase to seven days a week. Live racing resumes on February 2 at 7:00pm.
 
The first gaming facility to open in New York State, Saratoga Gaming and Raceway boasts over 1,300 state-of-the-art video gaming machines, a full service restaurant with buffet, three full-service bars, a food court and deli, a gift shop, and a variety of guest services including valet parking and coat check. Patrons can participate in our player rewards program, Player Extras Club while visiting the property. The 55,000 square foot gaming floor cost $15 million to construct and employs an additional 300 local residents. Our full service restaurant, overlooking the excitement of live harness racing, seats 400 guests and can accommodate large group events. Video gaming and food and beverage operations at Saratoga Gaming and Raceway are managed by Delaware North Companies Inc., a leading hospitality and entertainment management group headquartered in Buffalo, NY.
 
Saratoga Gaming and Raceway is located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs, NY. Operating hours for the gaming facility are 10 a.m. to 2 a.m., seven days a week. Must be 18 years of age or older to play Video Gaming Machines. Please play responsibly. Simulcast races can be viewed seven days a week. The Live Harness Races will start at 7:00pm with occasional matinees at 12:45. The complete racing schedule can be found on our website at www.saratogagamingandraceway.com. Must be 18 or older to wager on horses. For directions to the facility or further information, please visit our website or call 1-800-727-2990.
 
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