NEW YORK GAMING ASSOCIATION BOARD OF DIRECTORS NAMES BYRON BROWN CHAIR OF ORGANIZATION
Byron Brown Will Lead Statewide Association whose members Generate over a Billion dollars Annually for New York State Schools
(ALBANY, NY) – The Board of Directors of the New York Gaming Association (NYGA), a trade association of racing and gaming venues throughout the state, has named Byron Brown, the President/CEO of Western Regional Off Track Betting Corp. and Batavia Downs Gaming, as the next Chairperson of NYGA. Brown is the first President/CEO of Western OTB to serve as the chairperson of this statewide group.
The New York Gaming Association advocates for and advances the interests of its members located at racing and gaming venues throughout the state. The association works in partnership with state government on long-term strategies to increase revenues for education, support the racing, breeding and gaming industries, and generate new jobs and revenue for the benefit of all New Yorkers.
“Byron’s proven leadership abilities, exceptional communication skills, and extensive governmental and policy experience will help our industry prosper and provide even greater benefits for students and taxpayers throughout New York,” said NYGA President and Executive Director Michael Kane.
Brown has served in his current role with Western OTB since 2024. Prior to that he served for nearly 19 years as the Mayor of Buffalo, as a New York State Senator for three terms and has over 40 years of public service experience.
“It is an honor to lead an association that exemplifies good corporate citizenship,” said Brown. “From its inception, our industry has been an economic engine for our schools, our state, and our communities. The members of NYGA will continue to use their expertise and resources to support the industry through a statewide perspective.”
NYGA’s members include gaming and racing facilities from Long Island to Western New York. Collectively, they had an economic impact of $3.6 billion in 2025 generating $1.08 billion for education and significant additional revenue for state and local governments as well as supporting breeders, family farmers and small businesses.
NYGA members directly employ more than 5,000 workers with an annual payroll in excess of $264 million, and support 22,000 indirect additional jobs. More than $15.3 billion has been generated by NYGA members for New York State education since video lottery terminals were first authorized by the state in 2004.
NYGA’s member facilities are: Batavia Downs Gaming, Empire City Casino by MGM Resorts, Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack, Hamburg Gaming at Buffalo Raceway, Jake’s 58 Hotel & Casino, Resorts World Casino Hudson Valley, Resorts World Casino New York City, and Saratoga Casino Hotel. For more information visit www.newyorkgaming.org.
