WBNG Binghamton
The Tioga County legislature approves a unanimous resolution to back the bid for the Tioga Downs Hotel and Casino.
Legislators including Martha Sauerbrey said Tioga Downs has been an excellent neighbor for the last seven years.
She added the racino was in a prime location.
“We look for a new hotel, a new hotel motel tax, we look for more foot traffic, tourism that will benefit Tioga County,” Sauerbrey said. “We think we’re the best spot.”
Tioga Downs owner Jeff Gural said the approval from the legislature will be important in his bid for one of four casino licenses in upstate.
“It’s nice to see that it was unanimous, and they took the time to pass that resolution and certainly helps our effort,” Gural said.
Twenty percent of the deciding factor in awarding a license will be how much support each bid has in the community.
The state expects to begin accepting bids beginning in March.