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NYRA and Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady announce new partnership

by Pat McKenna

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady today announced an agreement establishing Rivers Casino as an official casino partner of Saratoga Race Course and the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival as well as the presenting sponsor of the Grade 1, $750,000 New York.

Highlighted by the 156th edition of the Belmont Stakes Presented by NYRA Bets on Saturday, June 8, the 2024 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival will begin on Thursday, June 6 and continue through Sunday, June 9. The four-day Festival at Saratoga Race Course will include 24 stakes races with purses exceeding $10.2 million, the highest purse levels and number of stakes offered since the launch of the multi day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival in 2014.

The New York Presented by Rivers Casino will headline day two of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival on Friday, June 7. Reflecting the importance of the race within the four-day Festival, NYRA has increased the purse of the New York Presented by Rivers Casino by $150,000.

In addition, Rivers Casino will become the presenting sponsor of The Backyard at Saratoga Race Course. Accordingly, the Rivers Casino Backyard will feature branding and activations highlighting the gaming and entertainment options available at the Casino and Resort located in Schenectady just a short drive from Saratoga.

“We’re incredibly honored to be an official casino partner with NYRA for the Belmont Stakes and the Saratoga Race Course summer meet,” said Joe Lodise, General Manager at Rivers Casino & Resort. “This partnership celebrates the rich heritage of the track and the Belmont Stakes, and fits perfectly with our commitment to provide the very best in gaming and entertainment. We're beyond thrilled to have Rivers Casino showcased throughout the iconic grounds and look forward to all the exciting racing.”

Rivers Casino will also become the presenting sponsor of Military Appreciation Day at Saratoga Race Course. Held annually to honor the service and commitment of active military members and veterans, Military Appreciation Day Presented by Rivers Casino will be held on Thursday, August 22. All veterans and active-duty military will be honored in a variety of ways throughout the day, and will receive free admission to the track.

“NYRA thanks Rivers Casino & Resort for its support of New York horse racing,” said Tyler Lippard, NYRA Director of Corporate Partnerships. “This will be a truly historic summer season Upstate, and Rivers Casino & Resort is a Capital Region partner well aware of the reach and impact of Saratoga Race Course. We look forward to a strong partnership.”

Under this partnership, Rivers Casino will also become the presenting sponsor of one premium giveaway item to be offered to fans during the 2024 summer meet. A cherished tradition at Saratoga each summer, all giveaways are free with paid admission while supplies last. NYRA will announce the 2024 slate of giveaway items in the coming weeks.

For more information about the Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com/Saratoga.

About Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady

Located at the picturesque Mohawk Harbor near the heart of downtown Schenectady, Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady features 1,050 slots, 66 live table games, a 16-table poker room and a live, in-casino luxury sportsbook lounge. The casino offers five distinctive restaurants—among them are Dukes Chophouse, Flipt, Johnny’s To-Go and Mian. Rivers features a multipurpose Event Center space, a lively entertainment lounge—Van Slyck’s, live music performances, free parking and daily promotions and giveaways. The Landing Hotel is a 165-room, six-story boutique hotel with riverfront views located adjacent to the Event Center. Rivers, which opened in 2017, employs approximately 1,000 team members and has been voted a great place to work in Schenectady. Rivers Casino & Resort Schenectady is owned and operated by Rush Street Gaming and its affiliates. For more information, visit RiversCasino.com/Schenectady

About the New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA)

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) is a not-for-profit organization franchised by New York State to conduct thoroughbred racing at Aqueduct Racetrack, Belmont Park and Saratoga Race Course. NYRA tracks are the cornerstone of New York’s horse racing economy, which is responsible for 19,000 jobs and more than $3 billion in annual statewide impact.