FRANKLYWNOW - Tioga Downs to Reapply for Casino License with Updated Applicati

The pursuit to bring a casino to the Southern Tier continues. The state's Gaming Facility Location Board said it will reopen the application process for bidders in the region after a request from Governor Cuomo.

Last month the board awarded the casino license for the Southern Tier Finger Lakes Region to Lago Resort in Seneca County, rejecting proposals by Tioga Downs and Traditions at the Glen.

Owners at Traditions said they would not reapply, but would support Tioga Downs in its new application. Today the owners discussed ways to move forward with the application and make it more appealing.

Owner of Tioga Downs Jeff Gural says that this time around they hope to make it more clear to the board how much money has already been put into his existing facility, which he says would cost about 87 million to make today.

The state's Gaming Facility Location Board told bidders they should not re-submit the same bid and there's also a chance that a 4th license will not be awarded.

"I believe that they will award that fourth license if they understand the need as a legislator when we passed the legislation it was about economic development it was about giving regions an opportunity. This region needs an opportunity," says state Senator Tom Libous.

Besides Tioga Downs it's uncertain if other developers are interested in applying for a casino license in the region. The board is hoping that it will be a competitive process.