SoleS bidder a good bet for NY casino

A racino in New York’s economially ca struggling Southern Tier has become the sole contender to build a Las Vegasstyle casino in the region.

Despite failing to impress state gambling regulators during last year’s board meeting, Tioga Downs, a harnessracing track and electronic gambling facility in Nichols, was the one and only bidder to submit an application by Monday’s deadline.

Its original proposal to expand into a resort casino was rejected in December by a state siting board, which instead suggested that Tioga build three casinos elsewhere in New York state.

After receiving feedback from officials, owner Jeff Gural made some changes to his original plan — adding a larger hotel, more casino space and a second restaurant.

“We could be hiring people almost immediately,” he said of the new $ 145 million proposal. “Assuming we get a license by the end of the year, we could be celebrating the Fourth of July next year in the new casino.”

A decision is expected in the fall.