Binghamton Mayor Expects A Second Casino Bidder

With just over a month remaining before the application deadline for a Southern Tier casino, Binghamton Mayor Richard David said he believes there will a bid submitted for a site other than Tioga Downs.

Jeff Gural, the owner of the town of Nichols racino, is the only person to have publicly announced he'll seek a casino license in the region.

Bob Joseph/WNBF News [file][/caption]But the Binghamton mayor today said he thinks there's a "high degree of probability that there will be another group" that will seek a license.

David, during his regular appearance on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, said that second application could be for a site in the city.

When asked whether he's been working with people interested in submitting an application, the mayor said "I've had conversations." How close are they to making an announcement? "Close." As in days? (pause) "A little more than that."

David said "there are multiple sites" in Binghamton, including former manufacturing properties off Frederick Street, that would be viable locations for a casino. But the mayor declined to discuss specific locations where a Binghamton casino project may be pursued.

David said the state casino siting board has repeatedly indicated that one of its criteria in considering proposed locations is the "impact or revitalization of a community." He suggested a casino located in Binghamton could have more of an "economic and community impact" than a facility that might be developed outside the city.

The mayor said he would support a Binghamton casino "under the right plan."

While declining to reveal whether local or out-of-town parties are interested in a possible city casino project, David said: "I am excited about this prospect." He said there's "the potential for significant financial impact" for creating jobs and increasing Binghamton's tax base.

The mayor said he believes a casino project "would be transformative" for the city of Binghamton.

David said there aren't many other pieces that need to come together before a possible project could be announced. But he said if there is to be an announcement, it probably would be a week or two away.

LISTEN to Mayor David's discussion of a possible Binghamton casino project.

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