Batavia Downs Exec Fired After Blowing Whistle to FBI Settles for $550K

Posted on: March 31, 2025, 05:25h. 

Last updated on: March 31, 2025, 05:25h.

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A former top executive for the Batavia Downs racetrack and casino experienced “living hell” after he blew the whistle on alleged improprieties, according to his lawyer.

Michael Nolan, Western Regional OTB, whistleblower, Henry Wojtaszek, Richard Bianchi, wrongful termination
Michael Nolan, above, spoke to the FBI about possible WROTB misconduct and allegedly suffered retaliation. His wrongful termination case has now been settled. (Image: The Batavian)

Now, the New York-state-owned betting agency that owns the venue has agreed to pay $550 to settle a wrongful termination lawsuit brought by its former second in command, Michael Nolan, The Niagara Gazette reports.

The Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp (WROTB) fired Nolan from his job as COO five years ago after he took his concerns about the agency’s practices to the FBI.

That was after federal authorities opened an investigation into public contracts WROTB had signed with politically connected firms

These included companies tied to Richard Bianchi, former chairman of the OTB board and head of the Monroe County Republican Party, according to The Investigative Post. Others were allegedly connected to then-CEO Henry Wojtaszek, former head of the Niagara County Republican Party.

Graft Allegations

In his lawsuit, Nolan said he spoke to the FBI about these issues and others, including the awarding of gold-plated health insurance to board directors, the alleged improper use of video lottery terminal funds, and the use of public money to purchase VIP tickets to sporting events.

The federal investigation is ongoing.

After Nolan informed Wojtaszek and Bianchi that he had cooperated with investigators and testified before a grand jury, he alleged they retaliated against him “swiftly, aggressively, and austerely,” engaging in a “pattern of harassment.”

Nolan said he was unfairly denied a raise, was required to work weekends, lost his health insurance, and was stripped of key duties, including his position as WROTB’s Freedom of Information Law officer.

His ordeal caused him significant “emotional distress” and led to personal financial burdens, including $80K in legal fees, according to the lawsuit.

‘Public Smear’

Nolan asserted that his cooperation with the FBI was protected under federal laws that prevent employees from retaliating against whistleblowers.

In November 2024, WROBT filed a counterclaim against Nolan and his lawyer, Steve Cohen, accusing them of orchestrating a “public smear campaign” against the betting operator by “leaking … confidential [and] incorrect” information to the media.

The settlement has resolved both lawsuits with neither party admitting guilt.