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Vernon Downs is a horse racing track, racino and entertainment facility located in the town of Vernon in central New York. The track was established in 1953 but, as tastes changed, its attendance and revenues decreased. It has added simulcast harness racing, video gaming, and entertainment, in addition to building a 173-suite hotel.HistoryThe harness racing track was opened in 1953 near Syracuse, New York, and operated successfully for many years. As tastes changed in the late 20th century, attendance declined. At the same time, the state authorized forms of gambling to raise money. Beginning in the 1980s, Native American tribes began to establish bingo halls on their reservations and later, gaming casinos to generate revenues.Racetracks applied to add gaming to their venues to increase traffic and revenues. Vernon Downs added simulcast harness racing, on which bets could be placed, and video gaming. Some, like Vernon Downs, also began to host entertainment acts, particularly rock music. The owners of the track built an associated hotel for visitors to the facility. In the 21st century, owners appealed for lower taxes in order to make their operations viable.