Nichols, N.Y. – August, 2016 – After months of anticipation, it’s finally official — The New York State Gaming Commission granted Tioga Downs a Class III commercial gaming license today.
The license will allow Tioga Downs to complete its transformation into a full-scale casino, replacing the current Video Lottery Terminals with slot machines and allowing the facility to add Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, a Poker Room and other casino card games that would be permitted by the gaming commission.
Currently, a multi-million dollar expansion underway at the racino will make way for the next generation of gaming.
The New York State Gaming Facility Location Board recommended Tioga Downs receive the state’s final license last October, and today, the full commission endorsed the decision.
Tioga Downs owner Jeff Gural credits widespread public support for showing the commission that the community wanted to see casino gaming come to the Southern Tier.
“The community’s outpouring of support has been invaluable towards making this happen. Your calls, letters and public comments made all the difference in making this happen for Tioga Downs,” said Gural.
The announcement comes just as Tioga Downs opened up Virgil’s Real BBQ earlier this month as well as the first finished section of the new gaming area. In its first few weeks of operation, Virgil’s Real BBQ has far exceeded expectations and is off to a great start.
Tioga Downs will also break ground on the new 161-room hotel and convention center on September 6. This addition will further transform the property into a world-class resort. The casino is continuing to hold job fairs and recruit new employees who will be needed to staff the expanded offerings.
This year marks the tenth anniversary celebration for Tioga Downs. The entertainment complex offers live harness racing and video lottery terminals, video poker and electronic table games. A variety of eateries are also part of the racino. Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY and Vernon Downs in Vernon, NY. The New York State Gaming Commission has officially granted a full casino gaming license to Tioga Downs. An expansion is underway to complete the casino’s transformation. In the last decade, Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 700 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.
