New statewide radio campaign highlights creation of thousands of jobs
5,500 work at NYGA facilities – Another 35,000 supported by industry
FARMINGTON, N.Y. –New York Gaming Association (NYGA) members, including Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack (FLCR) support more than 40,000 jobs statewide – including 5,500 direct employees and an additional 35,000 jobs within the agribusiness industry. NYGA facilities have also added nearly 1,000 jobs in the past 12 months despite the sluggish economy. A new statewide radio campaign launched this week highlights FLCR and NYGA’s considerable track record of providing New Yorkers with reliable jobs, as well as the payments made to support education in New York, which will support the equivalent of 13,000 teaching positions in 2013.
FLCR is already one of the region’s leading employers, with nearly 500 employees. “Finger Lakes is proud to have been a leading provider of jobs within our community since 1962,” said Chris Riegle, president and general manager of Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack. “As we have celebrated 50 years of operation in 2012, it is gratifying to look back and know that thousands of families in the local area have benefitted through employment, either directly or indirectly at Finger Lakes. We look forward to further building upon our employee base in the future and continuing this tradition.”
“The New Yorkers that work at Finger Lakes have more than just good jobs; they have the ability to start a
career in this industry, with excellent benefits and a reliable income to provide for their families,” said James Featherstonaugh, president of the New York Gaming Association. “We are incredibly proud of that, and all New Yorkers should know that all of our NYGA facilities are more than just the entertainment they provide. As New York continues its recovery, we will continue to be a partner in the economy and for education.”
New York’s racetrack casinos are some of the leading employers in their regions, providing steady and reliable employment that includes health, dental and retirement benefits. The nine racetracks that make up the Association employ more than 5,500 New Yorkers. Indirectly, NYGA’s substantial support of New York’s racing industry helps to maintain an additional 35,000 jobs, including agribusinesses such as family farms.
NYGA members have also contributed $3.4 billion to education since 2004 – including more than $575 million so far in 2012, according to data on the New York State Division of the Lottery’s website – enough to fund the annual salaries of approximately 12,400 teachers.
“New York’s gaming industry provides good jobs and career opportunities for thousands of New Yorkers and has contributed billions of dollars to support our children’s education,” said Heather Briccetti, president and CEO of The Business Council of New York State, Inc. “This new radio campaign highlights those accomplishments, and points to how continued development of the industry will further enhance New York’s economy and ability to create jobs.”
The new ad campaign is being featured in eight markets, including Rochester, New York City, Albany, and Buffalo. A transcript of the spot is below:
SFX: Bell starts a horse race, hooves pound the dirt…
GRANDSTAND ANNOUNCER: And they’re off…
VO: Racetrack casinos are a big win for New Yorkers in more ways than you might think.
Because it’s not just what happens on the track that counts.
It’s what five thousand five hundred jobs at racetrack casinos mean for the families who rely on them. Good-paying jobs with healthcare, dental, and retirement benefits
And the thirty-five thousand people with jobs in agribusinesses who also depend on racetrack casinos.
From family farmers – to veterinarians –
That’s right: more than forty thousand New York families’ rely on racetrack casinos.
But the economic impact of racetrack casinos is even bigger than that.
Racetrack casinos generate billions for education. Next year alone, they’ll provide $1 billion dollars for our schools — equaling the salaries of nearly 13,000 teachers.
New York’s racetrack casinos. A big win for New York’s economy.
About Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack: In operation since 1962, over 2 million visitors annually now enjoy nearly 1,200 slot machines, the 448-seat Vineyard Buffet restaurant, a sports bar and grill, as well as live and simulcast thoroughbred racing. Casino doors open at 8 a.m. and racing doors open at 11:30 a.m. daily. For more information, visit www.fingerlakescasino.com.
About New York Gaming Association (NYGA): NYGA members currently employ more than 5,500 New Yorkers and have, over their history, generated $3.4 billion for education, more than $170 million in aid for local governments and $715 million in support of New York’s racing and breeding industry, impacting family farms and preserving open space.
NYGA is comprised of the nine racetrack casinos located at harness and thoroughbred racing venues throughout the state. NYGA members include Resorts World Casino New York at Aqueduct Racetrack, Empire City Casino at Yonkers Raceway, Saratoga Casino & Raceway, Finger Lakes Casino & Racetrack, Empire Resorts/Monticello Casino & Raceway, Hamburg Casino at Buffalo Raceway, Tioga Downs Casino, Vernon Downs Casino & Hotel and Batavia Downs Casino. For more information, visit www.newyorkgaming.org
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