As voting draws near for next week’s casino referendum to allow non-Indian casinos in upstate New York, it’s becoming more clear that Tioga Downs will not be the only entity vying for the Southern Tier’s casino license. Proposition #1 will allow for an amendment to the state’s constitution to allow full casinos upstate, and Tioga Downs in Nichols has been viewed as the front-runner to receive the license for the Southern Tier, but Vista Hospitality Group also plans to submit a bid for a casino in the area.
The company specializes in hotels, and owns 12 hotels throughout the U.S. and Canada, along with shopping malls, retirement homes, and office and medical buildings. Vista Hospitality says that building a casino in downtown Binghamton would generate more tax revenue and attract more tourists than the casino in Nichols.
Tioga Downs owner Jeff Gural recently announced his plans for a $60 to $70 million expansion at his current site if his casino were to be awarded the license. Vista Hospitality Group plans for a 50,000 to 75,000 square foot facility downtown that would cost between $25 and $50 million, and would take two years to build from the time the license is awarded.
Both groups, and any others that plan to submit a bid, will have to hope the public approves the proposition when voting takes place next Tuesday.
