The Daily Review
New York State’s Education Department recently announced the certification of a new degree program in Casino Management to be offered at SUNY Broome Community College.
A Southern Tier facility – under careful rules and regulations put forth by legislation twice passed, the voters of New York State through referendum, the New York State Gaming Commission, and the New York Gaming Facility Location Board – is eligible to receive a full casino license. Tioga Downs is an applicant for that license.
“New York State has made responsible economic development and job creation its highest priority, and the return of gaming dollars being spent out-of-state is an important aspect of the Southern Tier’s growth,” said Tioga Downs’ owner Jeff Gural. “SUNY Broome’s Casino Management program is an integral part of this effort – one the entire Tioga Downs family was very pleased to support.”
Tioga Downs Executives helped develop the SUNY program, participating in meetings over a two-year period, reviewing and adding to the curriculum, and aiding in course selection. Security, culinary, casino operations, marketing, equine, and human resource departments all participated. Tioga Downs Executives will also be teaching courses.
The expansion of Tioga Downs to a full casino facility would require the education and training of new employees to manage table games and operations. New hospitality positions – in hotel, resort, restaurant, and spa facilities – would also be generated under the full gaming application submitted.
Tom Osiecki, chief operating officer of Tioga Downs, stressed the importance of “pre-training and education” in staffing expanded operations. Osiecki stated, “While every casino and resort has their own programs for new employees, those coming to us with a degree in relevant management certainly will have a leg up. Tioga Downs’ application for a full casino license stresses how quickly it can be operational, with expanded contributions to our state and local economy. Making that happen depends on the education our employees receive.”
“SUNY Broome has been a pleasure to work with,” Jeff Gural concluded. “I was impressed by their enthusiasm, and commitment to preparing students for the opportunities provided by this exciting new economic development initiative.”
Tioga Downs Casino is located in Nichols, N.Y. For more information, visit www.tiogadowns.com or call 1-888-WIN-TIOGA.