On Monday, November 19, local dignitaries took part in a ground-breaking ceremony for Phase 1 of expansion at Tioga Downs. Jeff Gural, the track’s figurehead, is known as a person that doesn’t mince words. The CEO of Tioga took the opportunity on Monday to explain why his racino should land the rights to gaming expansion in the area and why his competitors should take notice.

Proposition 1, which was recently passed via referendum, will allow seven Las Vegas-like casinos to be built in New York State. A pair of casinos could be built in the southern tier of the state, which includes Tioga Downs.

On Monday, Gural explained why Tioga is the logic choice for expansion in the area. He also cut straight to the point in his comments regarding a rival bid for casino expansion in the area. The rival bid would see a casino built within 25 miles of Tioga

"There is no way that two casinos can exist 25 miles apart here in the Southern Tier. That's a guarantee, that's a certainty," Gural was quoted as saying in a report by WBNG-TV News

Gural went on to say, "It's just not going to happen, unless they plan to put me out of business. I don't intend to be put out of business."

In terms of why Tioga is a logical choice to land gaming expansion, Gural said, "No one can argue that I'm going to be open two years before anyone else." He also cited the fact that the racino has been a standout and contributing member of the local business community.

Taking one last shot at his local rival, Gural said, "I can tell you that whoever invests in that project will go broke. One-hundred per cent."

Phase 1 of the Tioga expansion will see a three-story parking garage erected. The garage, which will be connected to the racino, will have 275 parking spots.

(With files from WBNG-TV News)