The Oneida Indian Nation is applauding today's decision by the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board to recommend that the State Gaming Commission award a full casino license to Tioga Downs.

Nation Representative and CEO Ray Halbritter says the real winners will be the people of the Southern Tier and all of Upstate New York.  He says they welcomes the healthy competition from an upgraded Tioga Downs.

Tioga would become the fourth Las Vegas-style casino approved under the state's new expanded gambling law.. The facility would include new gambling options, a hotel, restaurants and a concert venue.

However, the Nation says the board should have gone further by rescinding its flawed recommendation of the Lago Resort and Casino earlier this year.

The Lago Casino is expected to draw a majority of its business from existing racinos and casinos, putting thousands of jobs at those facilities at risk.

“The Location Board should have rescinded its decision on Lago immediately and honored the Governor’s job-creating vision for Upstate,” Halbritter said. “If the Location Board refuses to act, we hope and trust that the State Gaming Commission will not make the same mistake twice and reject Lago for a license.”

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