Western Regional OTB To Close Six Of Eight NY Branches

Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation's board of directors announced on September 29, 2026 its intent to move forward with a plan to consolidate the public benefit corporation's branch network from eight locations to two, following a multi-year financial review. 

The six branches proposed for closure lost approximately $730,000 in 2025 and had already lost more than $700,000 through August 2026.

Under the plan, WROTBC would close its Auburn, Clinton (Cheektowaga), Empire (Penfield), Jamestown, Lyell (Rochester) and River (North Tonawanda) branches on or around October 31, 2026, retaining only its Wehrle location in Williamsville and its Marway location in Gates.

Why WROTBC Is Consolidating

In its own announcement, WROTBC said the review considered operating performance, wagering activity, property ownership and value, geographic coverage, customer accessibility, alternative wagering options and the long-term viability of each branch location. 

The corporation projects the six branches slated for closure will lose nearly $1 million combined by the end of 2026 if left open, even as its flagship Batavia Downs Gaming and Hotel property continues to grow.

"This recommended plan was not a decision that was made quickly or easily," Byron Brown, president and CEO of WROTBC, said in the announcement. "These branches have been part of their communities for many years, and we are grateful to the employees who have represented Western and served our customers every day. 

At the same time, we have a responsibility to make decisions that protect the long-term financial health of the corporation and allow us to continue growing distributions and investing in our member municipalities."

Impact On Employees And The Union

Thirteen employees would be affected if the board formally approves the closures. WROTBC said management has invited the employees' union to the bargaining table to negotiate over the impact of the consolidation on affected staff. 

Board Chair Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney said in the statement that the corporation's goal is "to handle this transition with respect and to provide as many options as we reasonably can for the employees who are affected."

If the board gives final approval, WROTBC plans to have its owned branch properties independently assessed before listing the affected sites for sale. 

The corporation estimates those sales could generate more than $2 million in net proceeds, which it says would be reinvested in future growth and capital needs.

A Longer Pattern Of Branch Reductions

The proposal would extend a multi-year reduction in WROTBC's physical branch network. The corporation closed nine branch locations between 2020 and 2023, six of them in 2020 alone, as it leaned further into its 27-location EZ Bet self-service betting terminal network in bars and restaurants across the region and its Batavia Bets online wagering platform.

WROTBC is a public benefit corporation representing 17 member municipalities across 15 counties and two cities in Western and Central New York. 

It distributes a share of its wagering and gaming revenue to those municipalities each year, helping offset local property taxes, meaning the financial performance of the branch network directly affects how much local governments receive.

What Happens Next?

The board is still expected to take formal action on the consolidation plan, with the proposed closures targeted for on or around October 31, 2026. 

Bettors who currently use the Auburn, Cheektowaga, Penfield, Rochester, Jamestown or North Tonawanda branches would need to shift to WROTBC's New York sports betting options, its remaining Gates and Williamsville locations, or its EZ Bet and online Batavia Bets channels once any closures take effect.