Posted on: October 2, 2024, 03:10h.
Last updated on: October 2, 2024, 03:39h.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown (D) is leaving City Hall to lead an off-track betting corporation, providing significant financial opportunities.
Instead of governing New York’s second-largest city, Buffalo’s mayor for 19 years, Byron Brown, will soon resign to assume the leadership position at Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. (Western OTB). The state-owned corporation manages parimutuel wagering, live horse racing, and video lottery casino gaming for local municipalities and the state.
The first Black mayor of Buffalo, Brown, 65, has served since 2005 and has been reelected five times, with his latest victory in 2021 through a successful write-in campaign after losing the Democratic primary.
After nearly two decades as mayor, I have loved serving the people of Buffalo as mayor. But think the time is right to transition to a new role,” Brown said at a news conference.
Brown’s official departure date is forthcoming. Buffalo Common Council President Christopher Scanlon will assume the role of acting mayor until the end of Brown’s term in 2025.
OTB CEO
Brown will lead Western OTB and manage its operations. The corporation currently runs 33 off-track betting locations, telephone account betting, and online wagering through BataviaBets.
Aside from off-track betting, Western Regional OTB also owns and operates the Batavia Downs harness racetrack and its gaming facility. Batavia Downs Gaming features over 925 video lottery terminals (VLTs).
VLTs are gaming machines similar to slots and electronic table games that are connected to a centralized system maintained by the New York Gaming Commission. Each VLT property retains about 46% of the machines’ gross revenue. The state receives 44%, which goes towards K-12 public education. The remaining 10% covers vendor expenses and administrative costs.
Transitioning from politics to gambling, Brown will receive a pay increase. His current annual salary of $178,500 will rise to $295K when he assumes the role of Western OTB CEO.
Brown’s upcoming yearly compensation will be approximately $45K more than what New York Gov. Kathy Hochul (D) earns and more than six times the average annual income of a Buffalonian.
Succeeds Controversial Leader
Brown is replacing Henry Wojtaszek, who recently announced his resignation. Wojtaszek has been serving as President and CEO of Western OTB since 2016, but his tenure has been marred by controversy.
Wojtaszek and key OTB executives and board members have faced public scrutiny for receiving free tickets to major sports events, enjoying luxurious benefits and compensation, and awarding contracts to politically connected vendors.
Despite his resignation, Western OTB Board of Directors passed a resolution in July to grant Wojtaszek an additional year’s salary of $287K.
Brown’s Appeal
Western Regional, like other government-owned OTB entities in New York, is pushing for sports betting expansion to include OTB corporations. Currently, in-person sports betting is limited to commercial casinos in the state. Online sportsbooks are also operating.
Western OTB board members believe Brown’s connections in Albany could aid in advocating for their cause.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have someone like Mayor Byron Brown lead this organization,” said Western OTB Board President Dennis Bassett. “We aim to grow and explore new opportunities under his leadership.”