Both Binghamton-area proposals lose in race for a casino license

ALBANY, N.Y. — The New York Gaming Facility Location Board on Wednesday recommended Lago Resort & Casino in the town of Tyre in Seneca County to apply to the state Gaming Commission for a gaming license.

Lago, developed by Rochester–based Wilmorite Inc., beat out Traditions Resort & Casino in the town of Union in Broome County and Tioga Downs Casino Racing & Entertainment in Nichols in Tioga County for the license in the Eastern Southern Tier region.

The board made the announcement in a public meeting that was broadcast live over the Internet.

“We have said all along that if awarded one of the state’s casino licenses that we would begin construction of Lago within a week. We remain committed to that timetable, just as we remain committed to the people of Tyre and Seneca County,” Thomas Wilmot, chairman of Wilmorite — a commercial real-estate development, construction, and management company — said in a statement, responding to the board announcement. “We are excited about the opportunity to build a destination resort in the Finger Lakes region that will create thousands of jobs, bring hundreds of thousands of new tourists to our beautiful region, and showcase New York vineyards, breweries, agriculture, and history.”

The state Gaming Facility Location Board decided to recommend three total casino licenses in New York instead of the four licenses that it could have recommended.

Casino developments in Sullivan and Schenectady counties were the other two proposals chosen. Orange County will not get a casino.

The announcement ended a high-stakes battle that developers and communities across Upstate waged over the last year.

Contact Rombel at arombel@cnybj.com