WROTB to close six locations statewide

Batavia, NY (WBEN) Western Region OTB plans on closing six branches statewide as part of its consolidation plan. The board cites increasing waging options and declining revenues.

Under the proposed Plan, WROTBC would retain its Wehrle location in Williamsville and Marway location in Gates. The Auburn, Clinton (Cheektowaga), Empire (Penfield), Jamestown, Lyell (Rochester) and River (North Tonawanda) branches are proposed to cease operations on or about October 31.

The board says while Batavia Downs Gaming & Hotel has continued to grow, WROTBC’s traditional branch operations have faced ongoing financial challenges as technology and online wagering options continue to change how customers choose to wager. The six branches currently proposed for closure lost approximately $730,000 in 2025 and have already lost more than $700,000 through August 2026. Those losses are projected to reach nearly $1 million for the full year.

The proposed consolidation continues WROTBC’s efforts to address the changing financial and operational needs of its traditional branch network. From 2020 through 2023, the Corporation closed nine branch locations—six in 2020, two in 2022 and one in 2023.“This recommended Plan was not a decision that was made quickly or easily,” said Byron Brown, President and CEO of WROTBC. “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.”

Under the Plan, the consolidation is expected to improve the Corporation’s financial performance and increase distributions to its participating municipalities, based on 2026 projections, while maintaining WROTBC’s physical presence in both the Buffalo and Rochester markets. “We greatly appreciate the years of service and dedication these employees have given to Western and to our customers,” said Board Chair, Crystal Rodriguez-Dabney. “Our goal is to handle this transition with respect and to provide as many options as we reasonably can for the employees who are affected. ”Following any closures, the Corporation expects to begin independent assessments of its owned branch properties. WROTBC anticipates marketing the affected properties for sale following those assessments, with estimated net proceeds of more than $2 million. The Corporation expects to use those proceeds to support future growth and capital needs .“Western has changed considerably over the years, and how our customers choose to wager has changed with it,” Brown said. “This proposed plan would allow us to respond to those changes while putting the Corporation in a stronger position for the future.”