Thursday, May 24, 2018

Memorial Day weekend to feature live racing and fireworks at Tioga Downs


Racing on Sunday May 27 to honor all those that have put their lives on the line for the country

Nichols, N.Y. – May 24, 2018 – As we go into Memorial Day weekend, it is a time to remember and honor all those, past and present, that have fought for the United States and put their lives on the line daily to protect our freedom.  Tioga Downs Owner Jeff Gural has long honored military veterans as well as active duty military and will be once again hosting a celebration of our military heroes this Sunday, May 27, with live harness racing, giveaways and entertainment. 

With a post time of 6:15 p.m., Tioga Downs will kick off its Memorial Day weekend celebration with live harness racing.  There will be an American flag baseball hat giveaway (while supplies last) as well as free cartoon caricature drawings from 5:15 – 9:15 p.m.  Promotions include a free handicapping contest where contestants could win up to a $250 wagering voucher and Tioga’s match play racing promotion where guests can wager $20.00 on any race using their players club card on May 27th and earn a $20 racing coupon in the mail to be redeemed on June 24th. Live fireworks will immediately follow racing in celebration of the Memorial Day weekend.

About Tioga Downs

Tioga Downs recently celebrated its tenth anniversary as one of the area’s premier entertainment destinations. The entertainment complex offers live harness racing, casino gaming and live entertainment.  Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, New York as well as Vernon Downs in Vernon, New York. Since opening the new casino in December 2016, Tioga Downs has expanded its gaming offerings to include 944 slot machines, 23 table games and a luxurious 12-table poker room, which is now affiliated with the World Series of Poker. In addition to the gaming and racing, Tioga Downs prides itself on providing a warm and friendly tourist destination that offers fun attractions for the whole family. The casino-resort has a new golf resort/clubhouse, an on-site arcade, a heated indoor salt-water pool, and an outdoor pool area, complete with a water slide and cabanas.  For more information and to plan your visit, please visit https://www.tiogadowns.com/.  Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 1,000 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations.

Friday, May 18, 2018

Racing fans to watch, wager on Preakness at Tioga Downs


Second jewel of Triple Crown to be simulcast at Tioga

Nichols, N.Y. – May 18, 2018 – Harness racing fans who won’t want to miss the field’s pursuit of the second jewel of the Triple Crown will have to travel no further than Tioga Downs to watch the 143rd Preakness on Saturday, May 19. Live racing at Pimlico Racecourse in Baltimore begins at 11:30 a.m., and the Preakness post time is set for 6:48 p.m.

With a $1.5 million guaranteed purse, the Bob Baffert-trained Justify, winner of the Kentucky Derby, is a hot favorite to also win the Preakness Stakes. If successful Saturday, Justify will advance to the Belmont Stakes in three weeks’ time and attempt to sweep the series.

Wagering on the Preakness will be open all day.  Live local racing at Tioga Downs will begin with the first post time of 6:15 p.m. Guests will also have a chance to participate in season-long promotions as is customary during race weekends.

About Tioga Downs

Last year marked the tenth anniversary celebration for Tioga Downs. The entertainment complex offers live harness racing, casino gaming and live entertainment.  Jeff Gural owns Tioga Downs in Nichols, New York as well as Vernon Downs in Vernon, New York. Since opening the new casino in December 2016, Tioga Downs has expanded its gaming offerings to include 944 slot machines, 23 table games and a luxurious 12-table poker room, which is now affiliated with the World Series of Poker. Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs have created more than 1,000 family-sustaining jobs and donated millions to nonprofit organizations. For more information on Tioga Downs, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.

Tuesday, May 15, 2018

United States Supreme Court Lifts Federal Ban on Sports Betting


Decision paves the way for Tioga Downs to begin offering sports betting on property later this year

Nichols, N.Y. – May 15, 2018 –  On Monday May 14, United States Supreme Court Judge Sam Alito ruled that the federal ban against sports betting is unconstitutional, paving the way for states across the country to introduce legalized sports betting.  After a multi-year legal battle between New Jersey and the four major sports leagues, MLB, NBA, NFL and NHL, to get legalized sports betting outside of Nevada only, the monumental ruling paves the way for Tioga Downs as well as the other three New York State casinos to offer this type of wagering on property once legislation is written and passed by the State.

The responsibility now falls on the State of New York to define what sports betting will be allowed as well as write legislation regulating this new form of wagering.  New York State Senator John Bonacic is planning on introducing a bill to the full Senate next Monday and anticipates it having enacted into law by June 20th.

“This is not just a positive for Tioga Downs, but for the entire country,” commented Tioga Downs owner Jeff Gural. “Sports betting has long been a black-market activity that many engage in, however now that there is the option for legalized wagering, many States can bring jobs and tax revenue that weren’t previously possible.  Many customers come to Tioga Downs to watch sporting events however once sports wagering is available on property, they will be able to do prop and in-game betting just like you see in Las Vegas.”

Tioga Downs has begun the process of vetting the top sports betting companies from around the world to ensure the best possible operation and experience at Tioga Downs.  Tioga executives expect sports betting to be in place in time for the football season which starts in late Summer.  Betting may also be possible at Vernon Downs through self-services kiosks that customers can use to place sports bets.

In addition to the gaming and racing, Tioga Downs prides itself on providing a warm and friendly tourist destination that offers fun attractions for the whole family. The casino-resort has a new clubhouse, an on-site arcade, a heated indoor salt-water pool, and an outdoor pool area, complete with a water slide and cabanas.

For more information and to plan your visit, please visit https://www.tiogadowns.com/.


Tuesday, May 8, 2018

Tioga Golf Club Opens New Clubhouse


Chamber of Commerce Will Conduct Ceremony on May 18th

Nichols, N.Y. – May 8, 2018 – When the Tioga Golf Club opened last year, building a new clubhouse for members and guests on the premises was the new club’s highest priority. This building is now complete, and the highly anticipated Tioga Golf clubhouse will officially open on May 18th.

Media and community members are invited to attend the grand opening at 11 a.m. The Tioga Chamber of Commerce will conduct the ceremony, and local dignitaries will preside over the official ribbon cutting for the building.

This ceremony will take place in conjunction with the 14th Annual Tioga Chamber Open Tournament. Each year, chamber of commerce members join clients and friends to kick off golf season with this friendly tournament. This year, the golfers will get a first chance to enjoy the amenities offered at Tioga Golf’s new clubhouse.

The building, valued at $4 million, includes a fully-stocked pro shop, pristine locker rooms, and a bar and grill. The clubhouse also has designated space for events and a full onsite catering kitchen to accommodate them. 

The Tioga Golf Club is located at 151 Roki Blvd and is currently open to guests and members. Book your tee time today at https://www.tiogacc.com/.

Tioga Downs Reports Record-Breaking Month for Visitors, Games, & Wins


Following April Success, Tioga Downs Looks Forward to Big Summer Season

Nichols, N.Y. – May 8, 2018–  Tioga Downs just had one of the best months in the casino’s history. Throughout April, they welcomed a record number of visitors to their gaming floor, which features 934 slot machines and 32 tables that host games including Blackjack, Craps and Roulette. With the influx of visitors, the number of slot credits played was up 37 percent, and the table drop was up 36 percent.

Tioga Downs finished the busy month with a single record-breaking night. On Saturday, April 28th, Nichols-based casino set new all-time highs for both coin-in and table drop numbers. That same night also accounted for the second-highest Slot Win and the second-highest Table Win totals since its opening in December 2016.

The casino is looking to carry this hot streak into the summer, starting with a promotion-packed calendar for the month of May. Each Friday there will be a $14,000 Hot Seat contest, where winners can use their share of the pot to play throughout the gaming floor. Every Saturday night will feature a chance to win even more during the May Madness $40,000 Free Play Giveaway.

To celebrate Mother’s Day, Tioga Downs will be giving away Swarovski heart-shaped pendants to the first 1,000 people to show their Player’s Club Cards on Friday, May, 11th. Country star Chris Janson will perform at the end of the month; the concert will begin at 8 p.m. on Thursday, May 31st. Tickets ranging from $20-$40 are available for purchase at the gift shop or ticketmaster.com.

In addition to the gaming and racing, Tioga Downs prides itself on providing a warm and friendly tourist destination that offers fun attractions for the whole family. The casino-resort has a new clubhouse, an on-site arcade, a heated indoor salt-water pool, and an outdoor pool area, complete with a water slide and cabanas.

For more information and to plan your visit, please visit https://www.tiogadowns.com/.

Thursday, May 3, 2018

Tioga Downs live racing set to open Saturday.


Tioga Downs will begin their 13th season of harness racing with a live card on “Derby Day”, Saturday (May 5), with a special post time of 5:00 p.m.

The celebration will include a Derby Hat contest, t-shirt and magnet giveaways.  The day will also include the Edward P Maloney pipe band as well as  a $1000 Derby Dream Bet Promotion.
The two Dream Bet winners will receive $500 to wager on any horse in the Kentucky Derby.  They will take home any winnings.  The Kentucky Derby will be shown live on our large Tote board screen as well as on tv’s all around Tioga Downs.
A spectacular fireworks display will follow live racing.

Highlights for the 2018 season include Camel and Ostrich races, as well as the debut of Weiner Dog Races.

The always popular Camel and Ostrich Races, will make their return on Father’s Day (June 17).  The Weiner Dog races will be held on Saturday (August 11).  If you think you have the fastest Dachshund in the southern tier be sure to register him or her at www.tiogadowns.com starting on May 14th,

Tioga Downs will once again be the home to some of the best harness horses in the country.  

On Sunday, June 10th, Tioga will feature a leg of The Graduate Series ($75,000), for 4-year-old pacers and trotters.

On Sunday August 12th, the five-eighths mile track in Nichols, NY, will feature the Empire Breeders Classic eliminations, with races for both 3-year-old fillies and colts.  Also featured on the card it the Joie De Vie Open Mare Trot ($175,000), as well as the Crawford Farms Open Trot ($175,000). 
In the 2017 version of the Joie De Vie, Emoticon Hanover set a world record for 4-year-old trotting mares on a five-eighths mile track with a time of 1:50.2.  She owns the overall Tioga Downs track record for all trotters as well.

On Sunday August 19th, Tioga Downs will feature the Empire Breeders Classic finals with both 3-year-old pacing fillies and colts, each racing for a purse of $250,000 (Est.).  Also on that day will be the Roll With Joe Open Pace ($175,000), and the Artiscape Open Mare Pace ($175,000).

The all popular Million Dollar Ball Drop promotion will culminate on August 19th.  The Horseplay Car Giveaway will be on closing night (September 22).

The featured race this Saturday (May 5) is the Open Trot ($12,000) featuring Tioga’s top trotter for both 2016 and 2017, Prairie Fortune.  He is trained by the top trainer of 2017, Mike Deters.

Deters won the training title with 29 wins.  Patti Harmon was second with 24 victories, followed by Tony Dinges (23), Gary Messenger (23), and Joe Skowyra (20).

Mike Simons was the driving champion in 2017 with 74 wins.  Jim Taggart Jr, was second with 55 wins.  Jim Meittinis and Mike Merton tied for third with 53 victories each.  Aaron Byron rounded out the top five with 46 trips to the winner’s circle.

The 11 race card begins at 5:00 p.m.

For more information go to www.tiogadowns .com

Photo by Fred Brown

Tuesday, May 1, 2018

Tioga Downs Announces Racing Season Highlights at Press Night


2018 Season to Include Derby Day Celebration, Camel & Ostrich Racing, and More

Nichols, N.Y.May 1, 2018 –Local leaders and media partners joined together at P.J. Clarke’s Patio at Tioga Downs Tuesday for an exciting and informational peak into the upcoming racing season.

The event featured tours of the grounds, photo opportunities, interviews with drivers and owners, and an exclusive preview of the event highlights for the 2018 live harness racing season, including:

The season with will kick off with a Derby Day event on Saturday, May 5th. The celebration will include a Derby Hat contest, t-shirt and magnet giveaways, performances from the Edward P Maloney Pipe Band, and a $1,000 Derby Dream Bet promotion. The two Dream Bet winners will receive $500 to wager on a single horse, and they will take home any winnings. Between the live races, the Kentucky Derby will be played Barco board. Post time for Derby Day is 5:00 p.m.

On Sunday, May 27th, Tioga Downs will commemorate Memorial Day at the track. American flag hats will be given away at the promotions table beginning at 5 p.m., and there will be a patriotic fireworks display directly following the last race. Post time is 6:15 p.m.

This year, fans can look forward to an extra special Father’s Day celebration. On Sunday, June 17th, the Camel and Ostrich Races will return to Tioga Downs, and guests can watch these exotic animals run down the stretch. This spirited race day will also feature a Father’s Day themed giveaway: one lucky winner will leave the track with a ride-on lawn mower. Post time for this race will be 1 p.m.

Additional highlights for the 2018 season include a special Independence Day race at 1:00 p.m. on July 4th, the Miss Tioga Downs Beauty Pageant on Saturday, July 21st, and a series of high-stakes races in August. On Sunday, August 12th, the track will host Joie De Vie Open Mare Trot and Crawford Farms Open Trot. These exciting races will each have purses of an estimated $175,000. The Empire Breeders Classic Finals will take place the following week, on August 19th. The event will feature 3-year-old horses and will have an estimated $250,000 purses up for grabs. The Roll with Joe Open Pace and the Artiscape Open Mare Pace will take place this same day, each with an estimated purse of $175,000.

There will be another chance to win big at the annual Million-Dollar Ball Drop on Labor Day, Monday, September 3rd. This highly anticipated contest will take place during the live racing. The grand prize is $1,000,000, and the Top 25 closest golf balls can win prizes up to $5,000. Post time is 1:00 p.m.

The season will come to an end on Saturday, September 22nd. For Closing Night, Tioga Downs will host a Horseplay Car Giveaway, and the winner will walk away with a 2018 Toyota Corolla. To celebrate the last night of the season, all guests will enjoy a spectacular fireworks display. Post time for the final race of the year is 6:15 p.m.

To check out the complete 2018 season event calendar, please visit www.tiogadowns.com.

Tioga Downs starts live racing Saturday; new hotel is open


Nichols, NY --- When Tioga Downs Casino Resort opens for the 2018 racing season on Saturday (May 5), the fans and horsemen will enjoy an enhanced experience.

The brand new hotel features 161 rooms and suites. Many of the rooms are facing the gorgeous racetrack with the Susquehanna River in the distance. The hotel offers a fitness center as well as an indoor heated salt water pool and hot tub. Horsemen can enjoy a discounted rate of $89.99. Reservations can be made through the race office at 607.699.7688.

When summer hits the whole family can enjoy an outdoor water slide with plunge pool as well as an outdoor Cabana Bar and outdoor pool. Guests can visit AgeLess Spa for a couples massage and more before hitting the track or casino floor for an exciting day or night of fun.

Also new for 2018 is P. J. Clarke's restaurant with breakfast available Monday through Saturday and dinner available seven days a week. Enjoy fresh food, frosty drinks and old fashioned conversation.

On opening day (May 5), live racing has a special post time of 5 p.m. For more information go to www.tiogadowns.com.