Governor Cuomo Puts Upstate Casino Development on the Fast Track

WNBF News/ Roger Neel Photo

In his State of the State message, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says applications for new casinos, including in the Southern Tier, will be accepted in March with bids due by June and construction starting in the fall.

There have been three players in Broome and Tioga Counties looking to develop Las Vegas style gaming in the area following voter approval of a casino proposition in November. Tioga Downs, Heritage at the Glen and two brothers who own two Binghamton hotels and a hospitality company have all expressed interest in obtaining the casino license for the Southern Tier.

Cuomo has provided a policy book outlining the criteria for casino applications.

The governor has nominated Hobart and William Smith Colleges president Mark Gearan to be the Chairman of the New York State Gaming Commission that would review sites and proposals before deciding on up to four casino locations outside of New York City and off Native American lands.