Operator News

US – Saratoga Casino Hotel commemorates 20 years of operations

Saratoga Casino Hotel is commemorating their 20 year anniversary with a special-edition logo, and several giveaways and promotions in January, including a chance for 10 people to win a share of $200,000, winners of $200 Free Play every 20 minutes on Fridays, and food and drink specials throughout the month.

The casino first opened its doors January 28, 2004 with 1,300 slots, a food court and trackside restaurant, becoming the first video gaming facility to open in New York State. Through several renovations, and a couple name changes over the last 20 years, the property has expanded to offer the industry’s latest game titles as well as electronic table games, live entertainment at Vapor, fine-dining at Morton’s The Steakhouse, and a AAA Four Diamond hotel featuring 117 rooms, 3,000 sq. feet of meeting and event space and an indoor pool and fitness center.

“My husband and I were delighted 20 years ago when we heard a casino would be opening in Saratoga,” said long-time Saratoga Casino Hotel guest Patricia Colucci. “And 20 years later we still find ourselves coming back. Through all the changes over the years, what remains the same is the friendly staff and cleanliness of the property. Plus, we just always know we’re going to have a good time.”

“We have been committed to providing exceptional entertainment experiences for our guests since we opened,” said Alex Tucker, Chief Operating Officer of Saratoga Casino Hotel. “As we reflect on the past 20 years, I believe it’s this core mission that has made us successful. We are grateful to our guests, and we are proud to be one of many factors that make Saratoga Springs such a prosperous and thriving community,” said Tucker.

As sited in a recent economic impact study commissioned by the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency, Saratoga Casino Hotel’s on-site operations, harness racing and new visitor spending generate economic benefits for the Capital Region. The study released in January 2023, reported that Saratoga Casino Hotel sees an average of 1.5m visitors each year and generates 1,388 jobs resulting in over $77m in yearly employee earnings.

In addition, over the last 20 years Saratoga Casino Hotel has generated $1.3bn for New York State’s education fund. On a more local level, Saratoga Casino has also stimulated significant economic benefits to both the City of Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County. Since 2004 the casino has contributed approximately $35.2m to the city and $11.7m to the county in direct payments.

Saratoga Casino Hotel has also been a key contributor to local organizations whose core missions are to improve quality of life in their local communities. To date they have donated over $1.3 million to local non-profit organizations in their community.

2024 promises to be another exciting year for Saratoga Casino Hotel. “We look forward to celebrating our past 20 years throughout 2024, while looking ahead to the future and delivering more exciting entertainment experiences to our guests in the years to come,” said Tucker.

In addition, the owners of Saratoga Casino Hotel, Saratoga Casino Holdings, in conjunction with Thor Equities, Global Gaming a wholly owned subsidiary of the Chickasaw Nation, and Legends, are submitting a bid to New York State for a license to build a world-class entertainment and gaming complex on Coney Island. The bid is anticipated to be awarded in 2024.