Tioga Downs Casino to Open to Public on Friday

Tioga Downs officials have announced the Town of Nichols casino is about to open for business.

The casino is to open to the public on Friday at 3 p.m. following a lengthy effort by Tioga Downs owner to obtain the necessary authorization from state gambling regulators

Tioga Downs received its final official approval from the state on Wednesday.

Speaking on WNBF Radio's Binghamton Now program on November 8, Tioga Downs owner Jeff Gural said he expected the casino would open in early December.

To prepare for Friday's grand opening, Tioga Downs plans to be closed to the public on Thursday from 1 to 5 p.m.

The casino will open for what's billed as a "sneak preview" on Thursday from 5 p.m. until midnight.

The gaming floor will have 33 table games as well as various casino games.

Renovation work has been underway in recent weeks in anticipation of a fall opening.

Tioga Downs officials say they expect the casino will host "multiple tournament events" in the coming year.

More than three years ago, New York voters approved a state constitutional amendment clearing the way for the awarding of commercial gaming licenses.

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