Batavia Downs trying to get AI-generated video taken…

On August 14, 2026, Batavia Downs alerted the public to a fraudulent AI-generated video circulating on social media that impersonates the casino to promote a fake gambling app. The organization is urging users to report the content to facilitate its removal from the platform.

What happened

The spoof video features a man listing jackpot winners while discussing a purported Batavia Downs application. According to Ryan Hasenauer, Vice President of Business Development, the video was flagged quickly after guests and employees sent direct messages to the casino.

Batavia Downs identified the content as a scam designed to trick users into downloading an unauthorized app. Hasenauer highlighted a clear indicator of the fraud: the video uses the word "casino," which is not part of the branding for their facility. Furthermore, Hasenauer warned that since i-gaming is illegal in New York State, any app claiming to allow online gambling with real money is fraudulent and poses a significant risk to users, who would have no legal recourse if the operators disappeared.

To combat the spread of the spoof ad, Batavia Downs is encouraging the public to use the "find support or report reel" feature on Facebook. The goal is to trigger the platform's algorithm through a high volume of reports, which may result in the content being removed and the associated account being banned. Hasenauer emphasized that the casino intends to defend its name and imagery against such unauthorized use to prevent guests from being scammed by entities falsely claiming an association with the company.