(MONTICELLO, N.Y.) October 8, 2012 – Empire Resorts, Inc.’s (“Empire”) wholly owned subsidiary, Monticello Raceway Management, Inc. (“MRMI”) which owns and operates Monticello Casino & Raceway, and the members of the New York Gaming Association (“NYGA”) together added nearly 1000 New York jobs in the past 12 months despite the sluggish economy. A new statewide ad campaign launching today highlights Monticello Casino & Raceway and NYGA’s members in providing New Yorkers with good paying and reliable jobs, as well as the payments NYGA’s members make to New York’s education system, which will be equivalent to 13,000 teaching positions in 2013. NYGA members support more than 40,000 jobs across New York State – including 5,500 direct employees as well as an additional 35,000 jobs in the state including jobs in the agribusiness industry.
“For more than 50 years, Monticello Casino & Raceway has been one of Sullivan County’s largest employers,” said Empire’s CEO Joseph D’Amato. “We have 310 hard-working, dedicated people on our team, with the vast majority of our employees residing in Sullivan County. We expect to employ even more local residents and create even more jobs and economic opportunities at our proposed new facility at the EPT Concord Resort property.”
“Empire has proven to be a strong union partner, committed to creating good union jobs and building a strong middle class in a region in desperate need of investment,” said Josh Gold from the New York Hotel Motel Trades Council. “We look forward to working with them as they build and expand on these opportunities at the new EPT Concord destination resort.”
“Historically, Monticello Casino and Raceway has been a positive economic force in Sullivan County, providing good jobs and career opportunities for our residents,” said Allan Scott Chairman of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development (“SCPED”). “Empire is a cornerstone of the Sullivan County economy and the SCPED applauds their plans to create even more jobs and economic opportunity at the EPT Concord Resort property.”
“The New Yorkers who work at Monticello Casino & Raceway have more than just good jobs; they have the ability to start a career in the gaming and racing industry, with excellent benefits and a reliable income to provide for their families,” said James Featherstonhaugh, president of the NYGA. “We are incredibly proud of our members, and all New Yorkers should know that all of the NYGA members’ facilities are more than just the entertainment they provide. As New York continues its recovery, NYGA members 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, retirement benefits. The nine racetracks that are members of NYGA employ more than 5,500 New Yorkers. Indirectly, NYGA’s members provide substantial support to New York’s racing industry which helps to maintain an additional 35,000 jobs in the state, including jobs in agribusinesses like family farmers and veterinarians.
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 Division of the Lottery’s website – enough to fund the annual salaries of approximately 12,400 teachers.
The new radio ad campaign will be launched in eight markets, including New York City, Albany, Buffalo and Rochester and the Hudson Valley. A transcript of the spot is below.
Radio spot transcript:
“DEPENDS”
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, including 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 Empire Resorts, Inc.
Empire Resorts, Inc. owns and operates, through its subsidiary Monticello Raceway Management, Inc., the Monticello Casino & Raceway, a harness racing track and casino located in Monticello, New York, and is 90 miles from midtown Manhattan. For additional information, please visit www.empireresorts.com.
About NYGA
New York Gaming Association 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 the New York State racing & breeding industry, impacting family farms and preserving open space.
The New York Gaming Association 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. More information on the New York Gaming Association is available at www.newyorkgaming.org
