New York Gaming board impressed by Tioga Downs casino presentation

Officials at Tioga Downs, which is located in Nichols, hope to add table games, restaurants and a hotel if the state's Gaming Commission approves the plan.

Bidding for the casino license — the fourth and final casino permit available upstate — was reopened earlier this year following a request from local leaders in the Southern Tier, who hope gambling could help revive the area's struggling economy.

Tioga Downs is the only bidder. Its owner, Jeff Gural, said he significantly revised his project after his initial proposal failed to pass muster. The new plan presented to a meeting in New York City of the state's casino location review board calls for a larger project with additional amenities including a concert venue, along with new financing, including more equity.

"There's not a lot not to like. It is certainly more than just lipstick. It was some significant changes. Both in terms of revenue, and the designs, and some additional amenities," Kevin Law said after hearing Gural's new and improved presentation. Law is one of three members of the gaming facility location board.

Gural left the presentation feeling positive. "I thought they were very fair. I thought the questions were fair. I thought it went well. Hopefully, people will come next Friday, and show their support," Gural said.

A public comment session will be held Friday, September 18 at SUNY Broome. The board says it will then take comments from the public into consideration.

Law said he expects the decision whether to recommend Tioga Downs for the license will come before fall's end.

There's no timetable for a decision on Tioga's proposal. A public hearing is planned for next week in the Southern Tier to let local residents weigh in.
In January, the location board recommended casino licenses for Lago Resort & Casino in the Finger

Lakes, Montreign Resort Casino in the Catskills and Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady. The state's Gaming Commission approved regulations at a meeting Thursday that will allow it to formally issue licenses later this fall.