Anti-gambling group opposes Southern Tier casino

"We see no good reason for a second license in Region 5 or any other region," Shafer wrote. "For that matter, we see no good reason for any license anywhere."

The coalition has long maintained and cautioned that the introduction of new full-fledged casinos in New York could significantly increase the number of problem gamblers. But lawmakers have said the casino legislation recognizes the potential ills of gambling, as it requires casino operators to provide $500 per slot machine and table game each year to address gambling problems.

On Dec. 17, the Gaming Facility Location Board recommended Lago Resort & Casino, in Seneca County, for the Eastern Southern Tier's license, passing over Tioga Downs, in Nichols, and Traditions, in the Town of Union. The board also selected Montreign Resort Casino in the Catskills, and Rivers Casino & Resort at Mohawk Harbor in the Capital region.

The board chose three projects throughout the state, though the casino legislation gave them the power to recommend up to four.

In a Dec. 26 letter, Gov. Andrew Cuomo urged the state Gaming Commission and the location board to reopen bidding for a casino in the "true Southern Tier." The commission has yet to publicly respond to the request.

In an emailed statement sent Tuesday, Gaming Commission spokesman Lee Park said: "We are reviewing the letter."

As of now, Tioga Downs is the only known entity that would pursue a casino license should the bidding reopen in the Southern Tier.

Tioga Downs, a Nichols racino that opened in summer 2006, is planning a US$ 102 million expansion, which includes construction costs for the proposed casino, hotel, amenities building and Tioga Country Club improvements. That figure does not include the cost of the license feet.

If the bidding in the Southern Tier is reopened, Tioga Downs owner Jeff Gural remains confident his racino would be the only bidder because he believes the Binghamton-Elmira region doesn't have enough people to support two facilities.