Tioga Downs Breaks Ground on Expansion

Tioga Downs officially have broke ground on a multi-million dollar expansion project after receiving word that the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board has recommended awarding the state's final gaming casino license to Tioga Downs.

Several hundred guests were on hand to take part in the celebration.  Elected officials, business leaders and other dignitaries joined Tioga Downs owner Jeff Gural in turning the first shovels of dirt to begin the expansion.

Much of the expansion project is expected to be completed in time for July 4, 2016.  Although the license has not been formally granted Gural says they are moving full-speed ahead and are treating the construction work as if everything has been granted.  He says he does not see any other road blocks ahead.

Along with the gaming license the expansion includes the addition of two additional restaurants and a hotel. With the expansion the name will change to Tioga Downs Casino and Resort.  The addition is expected to create a minimum of 500 new jobs.  Some will be full-time positions while others will be seasonal or part-time.