The million improvement of the Saratoga Casino Hotel has given birth to a dynamic new experience at the historic racetrack.
Saratoga Casino Hotel General Manager Tom Wiedmayer said the renovation has created a “dynamic entertainment destination offering something for everyone, and providing guests with yet another reason to visit Saratoga Springs all year long.”
The new hotel has 117 rooms and 13 premium suites, and gives its guests easy access to the 75-year-old track. They even can watch and wager on harness racing from the comfort of the hotel rooms via the SaratogaBets online betting service for guests.
The Saratoga Casino Hotel debuted in 2004 as Saratoga Gaming and Raceway and has generated nearly $800 million in state education revenues. Last year, Saratoga accounted for $244 million in statewide economic impact.
With the new renovation completed, Wiedmayer anticipates those numbers growing larger, while race fans enjoy themselves further.
Meanwhile, at Aqueduct, Genting Berhad wants to increase the number of slots there by 6.5 times its current tally at Resorts World New York, but local opposition is growing.
Genting estimates the development would generate $200 million in economic activity, which it says would help to fund the state’s education system and horse racing industry, and create jobs in Queens
Critics, however, say Genting’s claims of economic benefits are unsupported and are concerned about potential ill-effects on the Javits Center and nearby businesses.
Genting wants boost the number of gaming machines at Aqueduct to 6,500, from its current 1,000, while sharing some $25 million in revenues annually with Nassau OTB.
Without third-party affirmation of its claims, critics say are concerned the expanded gaming operation would do more harm than good.
