As previously reported, New York gambling officials were supposed to consider the idea for reopening the bidding procedure related to the construction of a casino in Southern Tier.
Mere hours ago, it became clear that at the special meeting held on Monday, the bidding process was renewed and every investor who, for one reason or another, did not submit an application last year, can do it now. Gaming Commission members determined July 6th as a deadline for application submission. They are expected to publicly reveal their final decision by the fall.
Despite the fact that every investor willing to establish a Las Vegas-style casino in the region is enabled to apply, investors have been passive so far. Actually, up to now, there is only one investor willing to take part in the bidding process – Tioga Downs.
In point of fact, Tioga Downs took part in the initial bidding process but its application was rejected and the sitting board opted for backing casino projects in Schenectady, Finger Lakes and Catskills.
This time, however, Tioga managers are determined to get regulators’ approval and for that purpose they improved their application. That was the information released by Jeff Gural, the owner of Tioga Downs.
Despite the lack of interest, there is another alternative for establishing a casino in Binghamton. The mayor of the city commented on the matter and said that according to him there was interest in the bidding process but it is still uncertain whether New York gaming regulators will receive another application.
However, Mr. Gural disagreed with the idea for casino construction in Binghamton and supported his standpoint with convincing arguments. He said that the region does not need a casino in Binghamton and Tioga Downs’ racino. What is more, he was confident that the combination of the lucrative investment and the excellent location of Tioga Downs will help him get regulators’ nod.
In addition, he said that if he is awarded a license, the unemployment rate will be greatly reduced as he is prepared to hire as many as 1,000 people in less than half a year.
Back in 2014, three casino projects received the approval of the sitting board members. These were Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady, Lago Resort & Casino in Seneca County and Montreign Resort Casino in Sullivan County. As soon as all checking procedures are completed, the Gaming Commission is going to formally provide them with licenses.
