Vernon Downs & Casino

Vernon Downs & Casino is a popular spot for horse racing, slots, and video poker while also having a place to stay for the night and an abundance of eateries. We love it when we don’t have to drive miles away to reach a hotel after a night of fun and filling comfort foods. Here, everything is in the same complex.

A Breakdown of the Games

This is a New York State Lottery Claims Center. You can also purchase scratch-off lottery tickets and redeem winning lottery tickets. The gaming floor has more than 500 video slot machines and video poker. The games accept denominations of a penny to $5.

One of the popular slot machines is 88 Fortunes, a 5-reel slot with four jackpots. The grand jackpot is worth the most and is often well over $10,000 when it’s won. Other slots we recommend are:

• Double Diamond Deluxe

• Monopoly Money Grab

• Treasure Box Kingdom

What Are the Amenities and Hours?

One of the most popular amenities is the selection of restaurants. Hotel guests are welcome to stop by Room 318 each morning (7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.) for a free continental breakfast. The other places to get a meal, beverage, or snack are:

• The Kitchen Buffet – Comfort foods from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday,  closed Monday

• Miracle Mile – A la carte foods during live harness races

• Mr. G’s Food & Spirits – Seafood, steaks, and pasta from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, and breakfast on Saturday and Sunday from 7 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

• Ring Eyed Pete’s Bar – Entertainment on Friday and Saturday nights, open 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Sunday to Thursday and 11 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday and Saturday

• Trackside Concessions – Burgers, hot dogs, and chips are offered during live harness races

• Trackside Deli – Deli sandwiches are offered during live harness races

• Triple 777 Café – Breakfast from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. and burgers, sandwiches, soups, salads, and wings from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m.

The on-site hotel has suites and guestrooms available, and all provide smoke-free accommodations. Within the hotel are a heated indoor pool, whirlpool, and a seasonal children’s bouncy castle. Free Wi-Fi is available in the hotel lobby.

Vernon Downs's hours are as follows:

• 9 a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday

• 9 a.m. to 2 a.m. Friday and Saturday

Live harness racing is offered from April to November on Friday and Saturday evenings at 6:05 p.m. Simulcasting is available Monday, Tuesday, and Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. or:

• 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday

• 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. on Thursday

• 11:30 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday

Are There Promotions?

The free rewards program is a great way to get a welcome bonus. Sign up and head to the cashier for $10 in play. Once you deposit that $10, you get $10 extra. Plus, Rewards Club members receive invitations to special VIP tournaments, parties, and events.

After the welcome bonus, expect a variety of giveaways and additional daily promotions.

• Double Points – Vernon Downs Rewards doubles members’ points all day on Tuesday

• Free Play Frenzy – From 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. each Thursday, two winners are chosen every 60 minutes to win $100 in free play.

• Hot Seats – From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, two winners win cash prizes.

• Wonderful Wednesday – From noon to 6 p.m., a winner for $75 free play is chosen every 30 minutes, plus Triple 7’s discounts meals by 25%.

If Rewards Club members wager more than $3,000 in one month on eligible tracks, they qualify for a cash rebate ranging from 1.25% to 4.25%.

Where Is Vernon Downs?

Vernon is a town west of Utica, New York. It’s home to the Utica-Rome Speedway, a half-mile off-road race track for car racing. Oneida Lake isn’t too far from town. Reach the casino via Route 5.

When you visit Vernon’s casino, Syracuse Hancock International Airport is the largest airport nearby. There are smaller ones. Follow I-90 east to Verona, and take Route 31 to Route 5. In all, it’s less than 30 miles from the airport to Vernon Downs & Casino.