Niagara County Stands to Gain With Wojtaszek Back on OTB Board

Niagara County is poised to elect a new member to the Western Regional Off-Track Betting (WROTB) Board of Directors on September 16th, and many believe the best choice is former President and CEO Henry Wojtaszek who helmed the organization from 2016 until the end of 2024. His track record of growth, financial strength, and institutional knowledge make him uniquely positioned to help guide WROTB through its next phase.

Wojtaszek first joined WROTB in 2010 as general counsel and retained that role until his promotion to president/CEO in 2016. Throughout his leadership, WROTB saw impressive expansion. By 2024, coin-in (the total amount wagered) reached nearly $1.2 billion with net win nearing $90 million, far above the levels in prior years.

This level of revenue not only strengthened the organization’s finances but also provided greater distributions to the 17 member municipalities. His leadership helped WROTB project $90 million in net revenue and forecast almost $10 million in earnings and surcharge payouts for its municipalities for 2024.

Wojtaszek’s contribution went beyond numbers. During his tenure, WROTB developed and enhanced amenities at Batavia Downs such as its hotel and food & beverage offerings, and expanded Batavia Downs as an entertainment destination with memorable special events, concerts, and improved customer service. His ability to balance strong fiscal performance with customer-oriented improvements has often been cited as a key reason the agency was in a solid position by the time he stepped down in December 2024. Local leaders - including Elliott Winter (his potential successor for the Niagara County board seat) - have noted that Wojtaszek “knows that company inside and out” and possesses “the most institutional knowledge of Western Regional Off-Track Betting.”

Wojtaszek's return to the board would benefit Niagara County in several ways. His deep understanding of WROTB’s operations means less ramp-up time and more ability to immediately weigh in on financial, policy, and governance issues. Given that the board’s decisions have material impact on (1) how surcharges and earnings are distributed among municipalities, (2) how branches are run, and (3) how the entertainment and gaming venues are managed, having someone with his experience helps ensure those decisions are well-informed. With Niagara County holding eight votes out of 99 under the weighted voting system, selecting a board member who understands both the institutional levers and the community responsibilities is critical.

Critics will point to controversies in Wojtaszek’s tenure, many of which have been exaggerated due to political influences and personnel vendettas by certain reporters, but his experience and success at WROTB is unquestioned. With his return to the board, Wojtaszek could contribute oversight, continuity, and institutional memory that benefits Niagara County’s taxpayers.

In short, Henry Wojtaszek’s financial achievements, leadership during expansion, and deep understanding of WROTB make him a strong addition to represent Niagara County on the Board.

Niagara County Stands to Gain With Wojtaszek Back on OTB Board