Owner Jeff Gural promoted Otto who had been director of operations at Tioga Downs, per a Thursday news release. Otto has also been serving as the interim president and GM of the two facilities for the past six months. The promotion went into effect on Nov. 1.
Vernon Downs is located in Vernon in Oneida County, while Tioga Downs is in Nichols in Tioga County.
The company describes Otto as a “veteran of the gaming industry,” having spent 33 years in the casino business, including 25 years in upstate New York casinos. In his new role, Otto will oversee all operations at both Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs.
“Tioga Downs is performing better than ever before, and Vernon Downs has started performing better under Mr. Otto’s leadership. That success of both establishments is, in large part, thanks to the guidance and direction of Charlie Otto,” Gural said in the release. “His recent promotion is well deserved, and I have no doubt Mr. Otto will only continue and enhance the success of these two facilities.”
About the venues
Since opening the new casino in December 2016, Tioga Downs Casino Resort has expanded its gaming offerings to include 944 slot machines, 32 table games and a 12-table poker room. The Tioga Downs Hotel spans six stories and has 161 rooms, an events center and other amenities, opened in December 2017.
Contact Reinhardt at ereinhardt@cnybj.com