Suffolk Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation
Overview
Deal Type |
Debt Capital Markets |
---|---|
Size |
$342,680 Million Tax-Exempt Revenue Bonds, Series 2024 |
Client & Transactional Partners |
Suffolk Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation |
Our Role |
Sole Manager |
Summary
Transaction Overview:
On Tuesday, April 2, 2024, KeyBanc Capital Markets (KBCM) closed an issuance of Tax-Exempt Revenue Bonds, Series 2024 (additionally secured by general obligation, without taxing power) (the “2024 Bonds”), for Suffolk Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation (SROTB). KBCM served as Sole Manager for the issuance, which totaled $342,680,000 in par. The proceeds of the 2024 Bonds will be used to (i) repay certain outstanding indebtedness of SROTB, (ii) finance the renovation, improvements, expansion, and furnishing of the Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel, to accommodate an additional 1,000 video lottery terminals and related gaming amenities, (iii) fund up a debt service reserve fund, and (iv) pay costs of issuance. The 2024 Bonds were not rated.
KBCM assisted SROTB through all aspects of the financing, which was its first municipal debt raise in the capital markets. KBCM helped structure the new security package to protect bondholders’ interests while allowing SROTB flexibility to operate and grow its business efficiently.
After a competitive committee selection process, KBCM was selected as sole underwriter, thanks to KBCM’s very strong gaming investment banking practice and our extensive experience selling gaming-backed tax-exempt debt in the municipal market. To market the Bonds, KBCM used a Preliminary Offering Statement and Roadshow, educating investors on SROTB’s operations and all aspects of the bond issue. Working closely with SROTB, KBCM also coordinated dozens of one-on-one calls with investors to address questions about the offering and SROTB. On the day of the sale, KBCM built a very strong order book that allowed us to lower yields on the final pricing compared with what was expected prior to the order period. KBCM was also able to sell an issuer-friendly five-year par call option (as opposed to the standard 10-year par call option), providing valuable flexibility to SROTB.
Suffolk Regional Off-Track Betting Corporation:
Established in 1974, SROTB is a public benefit corporation that has two main lines of business: off-track wagering for thoroughbred and harness racing, and video lottery gaming entertainment and hospitality. SROTB’s operations are anchored by its flagship property — Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel on Long Island, about 50 miles from midtown Manhattan.
KeyBanc Capital Markets is a trade name under which the corporate and investment banking products and services of KeyCorp and its subsidiaries, KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc., member FINRA/SIPC (“KBCMI”), and KeyBank National Association (“KeyBank N.A.”), are marketed. Securities products and services are offered by KeyBanc Capital Markets Inc. and by its licensed securities representatives. Banking products and services are offered by KeyBank N.A.