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Tioga Downs' slots officially open
Message was posted: 06:25 Jul 11th, 2006

User: GeminiaMP Rank: Casino Gold: 7117CG Contributor rating: 4720 Status: Offline

Casino News Source: http://www.thedailyreview.com/ [b[Tioga Downs' slots officially open[/b] BY ERIC HRIN NICHOLS, N.Y. - Amid balloons and fanfare, people made their way onto the gaming floor of Tioga Downs Monday for the gaming floor's grand opening. Officials including New York State Sen. Tom Libous and New York Lottery Director Nancy A. Palumbo were on hand for the event which Eric Persson, general manager of the racino, estimated was attended by about 1,000 people. Following the ribbon cutting and the releasing of balloons, the mass of people entered the gaming floor, where multi-colored lights and the sounds of the machines created a scene to rival Las Vegas. Palumbo, meanwhile, emphasized the economic impact of the facility, saying it's estimated to generate up to $15.5 million for education annually. She also lauded the jobs created by the facility, and its economic impact on the community. Libous noted that the area not only is benefiting from the racino, but also from the Lockheed Martin's Marine One Helicopter project at the Lockheed Martin Systems Integration plant in Owego, N.Y. In addition, he pointed out the acquisition of 480-acres in the Village of Waverly, Tioga County, that will become the county's first state park, which had been announced by the governor in April 2005. He called the three developments a "trifecta" for the area. Persson, meanwhile, was happy by the attendance. "I think it's a great Monday," he said. "It's great to finally be open. A little wet weather slowed us down, but it's finally here." The grand opening had been postponed as a result of the flooding in the area. The gaming facility was opened to customers on July 4, according to a press release. Inside, the crowd checked out the 19,000 square foot gaming facility and the 750 video gaming machines. Jean Ross of Sayre was among those trying them out. "I think it's wonderful for the area," she said. "I can't believe a little town like Nichols, this is here. I see it doing wonders for the area. Between five and 10 years, you won't even recognize the area." Outside the gaming floor, the mood was also upbeat. A stilt walker made his way among the people, towering above them, twisting his body in seemingly impossible angles. On a stage, The Kirby Band of Nichols performed. Dressed in red coats, they played "Roll Out the Barrel" for the guests.