When New York voters go to the polls on November 5th they will have an opportunity to cast their ballot in favor of an amendment authorizing casino gaming.  Known as Proposition # 1 the outcome could have a big effect on Tioga and surrounding counties.

IIf the outcome of the voting goes in favor of the amendment then New York State will be able to grant four full gaming licenses around the state. Tioga Downs in Nichols, NY would like to be the recipent of one of those licenses.  Currently Tioga Downs has over 800 electronic casino games.  If granted a full gaming license there would also be poker and other table games permitted.

This would dramatically increase revenue at the Casino and in turn increase revenues to the state and in turn to Counties, Cities, Towns and Villages.  Revenues could increase school aid and offer property tax relief.

Jeffrey Gural is Chairman of American Racing and Entertainment, LLC which owns Tioga Downs Casino and Vernon Downs Casino.  Gural spoke to members of the media Friday afternoon about the different aspects of acquiring a full gaming license.

Should Tioga Downs be selected as one of the new gaming licensees he said he and his group would pursue building a new hotel on the current Tioga Downs complex that could accommodate over 130 guests.  An addition of up to 1,000 new jobs could be created including construction-related jobs on the project.

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