A photo from last year’s parking garage opening at Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y. The parking garage expansion was just the beginning of Tioga Downs’ expansion plans if a full gaming license is awarded. (File Photo / Wendy Post)
The Seneca County Board of Supervisors, according to a release received by a spokesperson from Tioga Downs on Tuesday, has declared its support of Tioga Downs’ application for the state’s final full gaming license, and members of the public are urged to do the same.
During their last board meeting, according to the release, board members passed a resolution affirming Tioga Downs’ plans for live gaming, citing the positive impact it would have on the community. As part of the resolution, Seneca County also recommended a 90-mile exclusivity zone to prohibit competition by another casino in the area surrounding Tioga Downs, the release added.
Upon being granted the full gaming license, as stated in the release and during a conference that included expansion plans, Tioga Downs plans to add to its staff as it expands the entertainment that the live casino gaming will offer. Throughout its history, Tioga Downs has been dedicated to providing members of the community with opportunities for family-sustaining positions, and those opportunities will only increase with the granting of the license.
“We look forward to growing the Tioga Downs family,” said owner Jeff Gural, owner and CEO of American Racing and Entertainment LLC.
Gural added, “As a result of that growth and increase in revenue, we look forward to being able to give back even more to the community.”
Tioga Downs is known for its generous contributions to local charitable organizations, such as veteran-related causes and the local food bank.
Meanwhile, the New York Gaming Commission is currently seeking public comments that will aid in the license decision process.
“Albany needs to hear the voice of every resident, business, and community leader to ensure that this second chance at much-needed revenue, jobs, and tax breaks is not lost. Public support is essential in securing this opportunity for the area,” Gural added.
Individuals may show their support by submitting public comments to info@gaming.ny.gov or by writing to the following address: Gail P. Thorpe, Supervisor of Contract Administration, New York State Gaming Commission, Contracts Office, One Broadway Center, Schenectady, New York 12301-7500.
Tioga Downs offers live harness racing, video lottery terminals, video poker and electronic roulette. A variety of eateries are also part of the entertainment complex.
Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, N.Y. and Vernon Downs in Vernon, N.Y.
Tioga Downs is the lone bidder for the state’s final full gaming license in the Southern Tier region. Once awarded, Tioga Downs will expand its facility and workforce to accommodate live casino gaming.
In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 700 family-sustaining jobs. For more information on Tioga Downs, visit www.tiogadowns.com.
