A plan to expand a racino in New York's Southern Tier into a full resort casino has won the endorsement of state gambling regulators.
Tioga Downs was the only contender for a single casino license available in the region, one of the state's most economically challenged.
The plan also calls for a hotel, new restaurants and a concert venue at the site of the current racino in Nichols. Formal licensure is up to the state's Gaming Commission following Wednesday's endorsement by a state gambling location board.
Local officials say the casino will mean jobs and more tourism.
Tioga's plans were initially rejected last year when the location board endorsed three projects in the Catskills, the Finger Lakes and in Schenectady.
Tioga revised its proposal when bidding was reopened.
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