Harsh Winter Affects Tioga Downs Revenues

Tioga Downs experienced its worst-two month period for slot revenues in the past three years. From January through February, the racino had a total net win of close to $8.5 million. That number is the worst two-month stretch at Tioga Downs since the same months in 2011, when the Downs brought in $8.4 million. Tioga Downs owner Jeff Gural has chalked up the slow start to the year to harsh winter weather and a lagging Southern Tier economy. On the bright side for the racino, each year since Tioga Downs opened in 2006, the month of March has recorded at least $160,000 more in net win than February. Tioga Downs is still planning a $90 million expansion project in the event that it is awarded the Southern Tier’s casino license this year, which would include a 136-room hotel on-site.