Saratoga Harness Racing’s planned purchase of Wildwood Casino in Cripple Creek, Colorado from American Gaming Group (AGG) has been canceled because of the effect of the novel coronavirus (Covid-19) on both businesses.
Saratoga Harness Racing had agreed to purchase the casino on 11 March, but the outbreak of the virus in the United States, and the economic impact this had on both Saratoga and AGG led to the deal’s termination.
“At this time, we believe it’s in the best interest of both companies, and our respective casinos, to cancel the deal so we can focus on doing what’s best for our casinos and our players,” Joe Canfora, the owner of Wildwood Casino, said.
Joe Canfora added that his casino was taking the virus extremely seriously as it reopened and would go beyond the required guidelines for health and safety.
“At Wildwood, we’re taking this time to develop and implement an entire health and safety strategy that goes above and beyond state and local guidelines to better protect our players and provide a comfortable, safe environment for gaming,” he said.
In March, Wildwood Casino announced a sports betting technology partnership with ISI Race & Sports and in April the casino received a master sports betting licence from Colorado’s Limited Gaming Control Commission.
Saratoga Harness Racing operates Saratoga Casino Hotel in Saratoga Springs, New York and Saratoga Casino Black Hawk in Black Hawk, Colorado.