Churchill Downs Incorporated is considering selling del Lago Resort & Casino in Seneca County, placing one of the Finger Lakes region’s largest tourism and entertainment properties on a potential path toward another ownership change.
The Louisville, Kentucky-based company identified del Lago among nine regional gaming properties it is exploring options to sell following a review of its operations and long-term investment priorities, according to a federal filing dated Wednesday.
Churchill Downs did not identify any potential buyers, establish a deadline or say whether the properties would be marketed individually or as part of a larger package.
The company also cautioned that its review may not produce a sale.
“There can be no assurances” that Churchill Downs will pursue a transaction or complete one under defined terms, the company said in its filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. It does not plan to provide further updates unless disclosure becomes appropriate or legally required.
The review also includes Calder Casino in Florida, Terre Haute Casino Resort in Indiana, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Iowa, Oxford Casino Hotel in Maine, Ocean Downs Casino and Racetrack in Maryland, two Mississippi casinos and Presque Isle Downs and Casino in Pennsylvania.
Del Lago, located along Route 414 in the town of Tyre near the New York State Thruway, opened in 2017 and has become a major employer and economic anchor in Seneca County. The property includes a casino, 205-room hotel and spa, restaurants, a sportsbook and an entertainment venue.
Churchill Downs acquired del Lago in November 2022 as part of its roughly $2.5 billion purchase of assets from Peninsula Pacific Entertainment. The transaction also included gaming and racing operations in Virginia and Iowa.
A sale would mark del Lago’s second ownership transition in less than four years, although the filing does not indicate that any agreement is imminent.
The potential change comes as Churchill Downs continues investing in gaming properties elsewhere, including new and expanded operations in several states. The company said its portfolio review was tied to its broader capital allocation strategy, suggesting it is evaluating where to focus future spending and growth.
For Seneca County and the surrounding region, the immediate impact remains uncertain. Del Lago continues operating, and the filing did not announce changes involving employees, entertainment schedules or other casino operations.
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