Vernon Downs is a harness racing track and casino in Vernon, New York. The track features live harness racing from July to December and simulcast wagering year-round. The casino features over 500 slot machines, electronic table games, and live poker.
If you’re looking for a harness racing track that also offers a casino, Vernon Downs in New York is the place for you.
This popular destination features live harness racing from July to December, as well as simulcast wagering year-round. The on-site casino boasts over 500 slot machines, electronic table games, and live poker – so there’s something for everyone.
History of Vernon Downs
Vernon Downs is a horse racing track, racino, and entertainment facility situated in the town of Vernon in central New York.
It was set up in 1953 and in 1955 it was the area where Adios Harry ran his Miracle Mile.
As states changed and competition rose, its attendance and revenues went down. It has since added simulcast harness racing, video gaming, and entertainment, as well as constructing a 173-suite hotel.
The harness racing track became operational in 1953 near Syracuse, New York. It operated very well for many years as it quickly gained status as one of the most famous harness tracks in the country.
In 1955 Adios Harry ran a “miracle mile” in 1:55 a record that was maintained for 15 years.
Tastes changed in the late 20th century and there was increased competition from the Meadowlands Racetrack and others who offered huge purses. Due to this, the state permitted some forms of gambling to raise money.
At the beginning of 1980, Native American tribes started to form bingo halls on their reservations and after, gaming casinos to bring revenue.
From April all through to November, you can listen to the beat of the horses characterizing some of the finest races in this section.
In the year 2009, Vernon Downs Casino Hotel was the dwelling place for the Night of champions bringing in over 2000 people to experience the greatest names in racing.
There is daily simulcasting, gaming promotions, good food, and an all-suite hotel. This makes the Vernon Downs Casino hotel a good place to enjoy and have fun at an affordable price.
Vernon Downs Casino Hotel
The hotel characterizes over 500 games. They offer some of the most popular games in the area such as house progressive and video poker, that range from 1€ to $5.00.
You can stop and visit their reward club and sign up for a rewards card. It’s free.
New members part with $10. As a member, you are eligible to enjoy some benefits such as invitations to special VIP concerts, tournaments, and parties.
The hotel also contains a Self-Bet Terminals for all of their thoroughbred and harness racing fans together with providing the current lottery scratch-off machines.
The players club would be glad to check your coat free of charge. This makes this hotel be termed as a “live a little win a lot”
To get involved in any game at Vernon Downs hotel, you must be 18 years of age. It is also recommended that individuals must play responsibly.
Family time at the Vernon Downs hotel
Invigorate and enjoy the fun of the kid’s indoor heated pool and whirlpool, and arcade and game section.
Children’s adventures include the track kid zone, an indoor play section, and bounce houses to be used during racing season.
Slots at Vernon Downs
Vernon Downs Casino Hotel is a 100% smoke-free area with spacious rooms for visitors and suite accommodations. The hotel offers convenience inside access to the neighboring casino with over 500 slots. Vernon Downs Casino Hotel has 500 slots.
Horse racing at Vernon Downs
Situated at the fascinating rolling hills of Central New York, Vernon Downs Casino Hotel provides a long-running history of fast-paced Harness Racing.
From April through to November, you can listen to the beats of the Horses characterizing some of the finest races in this section.
Operating hours
The Vernon Downs Casino starts on Monday, April 5, and will still operate Sundays through Thursdays from 9. a.m. to midnight and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 a.m.
The Vernon rewards club will be open Sunday through Thursday from 9. am to 11 pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 9 am to 1 am.
Also Read: Bed and Breakfast upstate New York
Accommodations at Vernon Downs Casino hotel
Make yourself at home in one of the 150 air-conditioned rooms featuring refrigerators and flat-screen televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment.
Private bathrooms with showers feature complimentary toiletries and hair dryers. Conveniences include phones, as well as coffee/tea makers and irons/ironing boards.
Amenities
Try your luck at the casino and enjoy other recreational amenities including an indoor pool and a 24-hour fitness center. This hotel also features complimentary wireless Internet access, an arcade/game room, and gift shops/newsstands.
There are also wedding planning services, a Bride’s dressing area, a Ceremony arch, and a Dance floor to dance till your clothes fall off. There is a Podium and/or stage and a Coat check room.
Tables and chairs are provided for your relaxation. There are Linens, silverware, and glassware provided. Enjoy the welcoming Outdoor lighting that ushers you in especially at night. If you have an event, they will organize a Venue set up and clean up.
Enjoy the Overnight accommodations that are available at an affordable price. There is also a Day-of coordinator and a Champagne toast. There is a Complimentary bridal suite to choose from for your big day.
There are Full kitchen facilities in case you want to prepare your food. There is a Groom’s dressing area available at an extra fee that is worth it. The Large parking lot guarantees your car security while exploring the area.
Restrictions
All food and beverages are handled by the venue. There is a Food & beverage minimum. There is no rice, birdseed, confetti, etc.
Catering is strictly provided by the venue. There is a piece of Amplified music.
It is a perfect place for indoor and outdoor events as you wish. Smoking is permitted only from outside only. Alcohol must be provided by the venue and you cannot bring yours from elsewhere. Music must end by midnight as the recommended closure time.
Venues
The rental fee is $700 for a reception and ceremony. It includes 5 hours of event time excluding set-up and clean-up time.
There is also a food and beverage minimum applied to all events.
The rental fee for a ceremony only wedding is $500. Additional hours can be arranged for a fee of $200/hr. make your event as you have wished in this very fascinating place.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, Vernon Downs is a great place to visit if you’re looking for a fun and exciting place to gamble. With its convenient location and variety of gaming options, it’s the perfect spot for a night out on the town.
We had a great time visiting Vernon Downs!
The casino was a lot of fun and the horse racing was exciting. We would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for a great day trip from New York City.
So if you’re ever in Central New York, be sure to check out Vernon Downs!
Thanks to Vernon Downs for having us!
