On Wednesday, October 14th, Tioga Downs casino finally becomes a fully licensed gaming casino, almost a year after its bid was rejected in the initial round of licensing awards.


The Tioga Downs hit the jackpot on Wednesday. The decision was approved by the Gaming Facility Location Board at a meeting in New York City.

It's official, Jeff Gural, the owner of Tioga Downs, got the green light to convert his already existing casino to a full-scale casino.

Though his first application was initially denied last December, the Gaming Facility Location Board decided to revise his proposal.

The gambling regulators reopened the bidding concerning the casino license which allowed Tioga Downs to come back with an improved application. It turned out he was the only contender for the license.

Tioga Downs owner believes that in order to boost employment and economic activities in the region is by means of a full casino. According to him, this project will give away $1,5 million dollars to organizations and small businesses in Southern Tier. "Expanding Tioga Downs into a full casino would generate over 600 new jobs", Gural added.

Tioga Downs is now in the process of becoming a fully licensed gaming casino. Its journey to expand includes the supply of table games and slot machines, the construction of two hotels, two restaurants and an indoor water park.