A groundbreaking ceremony was held at Tioga Downs Racetrack in Nichols, marking the beginning of construction on the expansion of the racetrack venue into a full-scale casino.
Last month, Tioga Downs was recommended by the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board for a fourth Upstate casino license. The board gave the green light to three fully-fledged casino projects last December – in the Catskills, Finger Lakes, and Albany areas.
Here it is important to note that New York voters approved in 2013 the establishment of four new gambling venues and the board’s initial decision to back only three such venues came as a bit of a surprise. Back in December, Tioga Downs owner Jeff Gural noted that they will do their best to eventually expand the racetrack into a full-scale casino. And nine months later, the project was finally given the nod by Gaming Facility Location Board members.
All four approved projects have not been granted their licenses by the New York State Gaming Commission yet. Mr. Gural said that he has not been informed when exactly the license will be awarded but that they are going full-speed ahead with construction.
Local media reported that equipment has already arrived on site and work is to begin any moment. Mr. Gural explained that the expansion of the existing complex, which currently features wagering boards, slot machines, harness racing track, and food and beverage options, will include the addition of a poker room, gaming tables for roulette and blackjack, as well as more slot machines. New dining facilities will also open doors.
The executive further noted that the complex will also include a 161-room hotel, an event center, and spa and those will be connected to the gambling venue. However, their construction will begin after Tioga Downs is granted the state license. A 12,000-seat outdoor concert venue is also part of the expansion plan. An outdoor pool and rooftop terraces will, too, be added at some point.
The whole expansion of the complex is expected to cost $135 million. Mr. Gural expressed hopes that the expanded complex will be completed and launched on July 4, 2016.
Tioga Downs is expected to create about 500 temporary construction jobs and 500 new permanent ones, once the complex is launched.
