Tioga Downs Hearing To Gain Casino Gaming License

The State Gaming Facility Board held a public hearing at SUNY Broome's Baldwin Gym where the public was invited to comment on Tioga Downs' updated proposal for a casino gaming license. This hearing comes after a presentation the week before in New York City of a new $147 million plan to the gaming commission. Laborers from Local 79 were on hand to support the racino and the jobs it plans to produce as the track presented its plans before the board at the Jacob Javits Center in Manhattan.

Members of New York State Laborers Organizing Fund, NYS LECET and Local Union 785 participated in the hearing at SUNY Broome with David Marsh, Business Manager Local 785, speaking on behalf of the local and the work his members would receive if this project moves forward. The gaming board was urged to make a quick decision so work can commence.

After Tioga Downs was rejected in favor of the Lago Resort & Casino in the Finger Lakes, Gov. Andrew Cuomo on Dec. 27 asked the Gaming Commission and the location board to reopen the bidding for a “true Southern Tier” casino. The board agreed, but only Tioga Downs, owned by Manhattan developer Jeff Gural, submitted a proposal on July 7. Gural vowed a $195 million investment and the addition of 560 jobs if awarded the casino license.