Jeff Gural, the owner of Tioga Downs Casino Resort in Nichols, expects operations to resume sometime in September.

Gural, who also owns Vernon Downs, Thursday said he anticipates New York State will release casino reopening guidance next week if there's no spike in COVID-19 cases.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program, Gural said the ongoing casino closure is costing New York taxpayers $100 million a month in lost revenue.

It's unclear how many people will return to work at Tioga Downs if the casino is allowed to operate at limited capacity. Gural said he would like to bring back as many employees as possible.

Gural believes the extended casino closure due to the pandemic has caused some permanent damage to Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs. But he expressed confidence that both will survive.

Gural said state approval of online sports betting would be a big boost. Because state and local governments now are desperate for revenue, he expects New York lawmakers will give the go-ahead soon.

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