Tioga Downs Signs a Local Labor Agreement for Casino Development

The owner of one of the Southern Tier locations looking to be granted a New York State gaming license vows to use local unions and employers in the construction of casino and resort facilities should it win the license.

Tioga Downs has signed a Labor Peace Agreement assuring that only local union labor will be used in its development plans.

Officials say labor agreements are a required component in the application to the state for a license to run a full, Las Vegas-style gaming operation.

Meanwhile, Tioga Downs owner, Jeff Gural says he hopes the state won’t get greedy in setting the minimum capital investment requirement for the development of a Southern Tier casino.

Tioga Downs has plans to spend at least $90 million expanding the property in Nichols to include a 140-room hotel, and a parking garage is currently under construction.

The harness track and video gaming parlor already spent $1 million just to file its application for a license.

The state’s Gaming Facility Location Board is expected to set its minimum capital investment levels May 13.

Another player in the competition for a Southern Tier license, Traditions at the Glen in the Town of Union also has set about a $150 million minimum for its capital investment threshold in development of a casino.

Officials say if the minimum investment level causes a player to withdraw within five days of the state setting the threshold, their $1 million application fee will be refunded.