Assemblywoman Marianne Buttenschon (D-Utica/Rome) announced legislation she authored to allow the Vernon Downs Casino and Hotel to use additional gaming revenues for operating purposes was signed into law by the governor (Ch. 68 of 2019).

“Gaming facilities aren’t just great places to spend an evening with friends – they’re also cornerstones of our region’s economy,” said Buttenschon. “Vernon Downs Casino and Hotel employs more than 300 hardworking Central New Yorkers. This legislation will help bolster its business so that our region can continue to reap the benefits.”

Buttenschon’s bill would extend the ability of a vendor track located within Oneida County and within 15 miles of a tribal casino to use up to 4% of the facility's revenue currently earmarked for capital awards and up to 75% of the 10% of revenue retained by the New York State Gaming Commission for operating purposes. Keeping Vernon Downs up and running will help provide more revenue for education, protect jobs and pave the way for it to do more business and attract more visitors to the Mohawk Valley, noted Buttenschon.