Oneida Nation casino blamed for losses at non-Indian racetrack

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

The Wizard Hall at the Yellow Brick Road Casino in Chittenango, New York. Photo from Facebook

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A non-Indian racetrack in New York has taken a hit in business following the opening of a new Oneida Nation gaming facility.

The Yellow Brick Road Casino opened on June 2. It's located in Chittenango, about 20 miles from Vernon Downs, which is "bleeding" an average of $47,000 in profits per week, a minority shareholder told The Albany Times-Union.

"I never pictured this Yellow Brick Road would come in and the Sav-On gas stations would come in," Gary Greenberg told the paper.

In addition to opening the casino, the tribe has installed gaming machines at some of its Sav-On gas stations and convenience stores. Greenberg provided figures to the paper that showed how Vernon Downs has seen a decline in net win since June.

But Jeff Gural, who is the major stakeholder at the facility, said he wasn't certain that the tribe is to blame. "Obviously, I don't think it helps us but it's too soon to tell," he told the paper.

Get the Story:
Is new Native American casino taking business from a harness track? (The Albany Times-Union 8/5) Related Stories:
Oneida Nation still working on shopping center at gaming facility (06/24)
County seeks share of revenues from new Oneida Nation casino (06/10)
Oneida Nation sees huge turnout for opening of new $20M casino (06/03)
Oneida Nation opens doors to $20M Yellow Brick Road Casino (06/02)
Oneida Nation close to opening of new gaming facility on June 2 (05/21)