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Tioga Downs Casino Resort – Racino Review
Situated in the southern region of New York, near Nichols town, lies Tioga Downs, a racecourse and casino. This charming establishment finds its place between the picturesque Susquehanna River and the Pennsylvania border, conveniently reachable through the Southern Tier Expressway.
The casino’s current racecourse was inaugurated in 1976, but its existence was brief. However, in 2006, the Tioga Downs Casino Resort emerged, thanks to the statewide acceptance of video lottery terminals in 2005.
The resort provides a variety of entertainment options including horse racing, casino gambling, and a sportsbook. With over 500 video slots and video poker games, along with 28 table games and a dedicated poker room, guests have plenty of gaming options to choose from. The newly opened sportsbook, operated by FanDuel, allows patrons to engage in pre-match and live betting on a wide range of popular sporting events.
In addition to its reputation as a gambling destination, Tioga Downs Casino Resort offers an array of amenities and services. These include a 160-room hotel providing luxurious accommodation, a variety of dining options numbering around ten, a golf club, and an entertainment center hosting live concerts and shows. Furthermore, the versatile center can be utilized for weddings, meetings, conferences, and various other social events.
The casino operates every day, starting from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m., ensuring a constant availability for its patrons. It strictly adheres to a smoke-free policy, promoting a healthy and clean environment for all visitors. Additionally, it strictly enforces an age restriction policy, allowing entry only to individuals who are at least 21 years old.
Tioga Downs Casino Resort
- The address is 2384 W River Rd, Nichols, NY 13812.
- The CEO of American Racing & Entertainment is Jeffrey Gural, who also serves as the owner.
- Operator: American Racing and Entertainment
- The opening hours are from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day.
- The casino offers a wide range of games, including over 500 video slots and video poker machines, as well as 28 table games.
- Sportsbook: Yes
- Cash games and tournaments in Poker include Texas Hold’em and Omaha.
New York Casino in the News
Tioga Downs Casino Resort gambling partnerships
Tioga Downs Casino Resort wasted no time in forging a partnership with the FanDuel Group and creating a specialized sports betting section on its gaming floor following the introduction of the FanDuel sports betting platform in New York.
In 2019, a partnership agreement was signed between the two parties. Shortly after, the FanDuel sportsbook was inaugurated within the casino, marking the first-ever retail sportsbook in New York. Further information about the casino’s sportsbook will be disclosed later.
In New York, it is currently against state law to play online blackjack, roulette, craps, poker, or slot machines for real money. However, if the state decides to regulate the market, Tioga Downs and FanDuel Casino NY may form a partnership and introduce their own online casino. Additionally, other operators may also compete for the opportunity to collaborate with the casino.
- The presence of DraftKings Casino in New York
- The casino located in New York is called BetRivers Casino.
- The New York location of Caesars Casino.
- The BetMGM Casino is located in New York.
The casino at Tioga Downs Casino Resort
Tioga Downs Casino Resort offers convenient access for residents of this state to enjoy legal gambling, as it is conveniently situated just north of the Pennsylvania border.
With approximately 20,000 square feet of gaming space, Tioga Downs Casino Resort may not be among the largest casinos in the state, but it still provides its visitors with a diverse gaming experience. The casino offers over 500 slots, 28 table games, a poker room, and a sportsbook to cater to the preferences of its guests.
The quantity of video slots fluctuates over time, having once comprised a collection of over 900 machines. However, due to pandemic-related restrictions, the number of machines was constrained. Nevertheless, it is anticipated that it will soon revert back to its normal quantity.
Incorporated within the premises are 28 tables, featuring a diverse range of games including blackjack, baccarat, roulette, craps, and poker. Additionally, there is a dedicated area comprising of six poker tables, fostering an opportunity for players to showcase their proficiency in Texas Hold’em and Omaha cash games, along with periodic tournaments. Adjacent to the main entrance lies a retail sportsbook spanning across 2,600 square feet, providing an unparalleled experience for sports enthusiasts. This sportsbook boasts eight betting kiosks and an impressive array of over two dozen video displays, guaranteeing an immersive and exciting environment for prime-time sports betting.
If you anticipate frequent visits to the casino, it is advisable to enroll in the Tioga Rewards Club, the casino’s rewards program. By doing so, you can have the opportunity to win fantastic prizes and indulge in exclusive advantages.
In addition to the rewards program, Tioga Downs Casino Resort presents various promotions, with the most noteworthy ones being:
- New Members: Get Your First $100 on Us! — Upon joining the Tioga Rewards Club, the casino will reimburse you for any losses incurred on your first day, up to $100.
- Get $10 worth of free play by being one of the first 200 players to participate in Early Risers Free Play between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. from Monday to Friday.
- Join us for Thursday Hot Seat, where we will be drawing two lucky winners every hour from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Each winner will receive $100 worth of free play!
- Introducing the Friday Hot Seat! Every Friday, from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m., we will select two lucky winners who will each receive $250 worth of free play.
- Tioga Downs Casino Resort celebrates Senior Days on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Visitors aged 50 or above are entitled to $2 worth of complimentary play upon earning a single gaming point. Additionally, they will automatically participate in hourly $100 free play draws held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Slot machines
In Nichols, NY, Tioga Downs Casino Resort boasts a staggering fleet of 508 operational video slot machines, which also encompasses a variety of video poker games. These cutting-edge machines are produced by renowned software giants such as APEX, Konami, Aristocrat, IGT, and other esteemed players in the industry.
The assortment of video slots is packed with thrilling options, with the top favorites including 88 Fortunes, Blazing 777, Buffalo Gold, Dancing Drums, Double Diamond, Fu Dao Le, Green Machine Deluxe, Jackpot Inferno, Lightning Link, Lock It Link, Triple Red Hot 7s, Wonder 4, and numerous others.
The denominations for each game may range from 1¢ to $5 per pull. Many video slots offer progressive jackpots, which can potentially award you with over $20,000 in winnings. Every month, the casino pays out tens of millions of dollars to lucky jackpot winners.
Table games
Located on the main gaming floor, adjacent to the Sideshow Lounge, Tioga Downs Casino & Resort offers a remarkable selection of 28 table games. Additionally, there are various table games available in the High Limit room.
There is a variety of table games to choose from, including:
- Blackjack rewards players with a payout of 3 to 2 and requires them to stand when they have a soft 17.
- Spanish 21
- 777 Blazing Blackjack Progressive
- Craps
- Roulette
- Mini/Midi Baccarat
- Big Six Wheel
- Mississippi Stud Poker
- Three Card Poker
- Four Card Poker
- Pai Gow Poker
- Let It Ride Poker
Tioga rewards Club
By joining the Tioga Rewards Club, you can relish in exclusive privileges and advantages as a VIP. Each time you indulge in the casino’s offerings, you accumulate points that contribute to your overall score. Notably, you earn both Tier Points and Rewards Points separately. Tier Points determine your level of membership, whereas Rewards Points can be exchanged for complimentary play, dining experiences, lodging, spa services, access to the golf club, and entertainment options.
For every $4 you bet on video slots and every $8 you bet on video poker and electronic table games, you will receive one Tier Point and one Rewards Point. The value of each Rewards Point is 1¢ (100 points equal $1). The qualification period spans 12 months, starting from May 1 and ending on April 30 each year. After this period, your point balance will be reset to zero.
To become a member of the Tioga Rewards Club, all you need to do is bring your valid ID to the service desk. Upon verification, you will receive your very own personalized Rewards card. Use this card by inserting it into the slot machine or presenting it to the dealer while engaging in table games.
The Tioga Rewards Club consists of five tier levels.
- Choose between 0 and 1,499 Tier Points.
- Desired range of Tier Points: 1,500 to 9,999
- Premier: Tier Points ranging from 10,000 to 39,999.
- The Elite status requires accumulating between 40,000 and 89,999 Tier Points.
- VIP members earn 90,000 or more Tier Points.
Naturally, as your tier level increases, so do the size and quality of your benefits. Choice members have the opportunity to redeem their Rewards Points and earn promotional entries. Preferred members enjoy discounts, birthday gifts, and exclusive event invitations. Premier members receive special email offers and are entitled to one monthly golf cart rental at the golf club.
Once you achieve Elite status, the casino rewards you with a complimentary valet service and exemption from resort fees. VIP members, on the other hand, enjoy all the aforementioned benefits along with a monthly free spa service, two complimentary tickets to specific concerts, a dedicated casino host, and additional perks.
Tioga Downs Casino Resort poker room
Next to the High Limit room, you can find the poker room in the casino. It comprises six poker tables where various games are played.
- Limit Texas Hold’em
- No-Limit Texas Hold’em
- Limit Omaha High
- Pot-Limit Omaha High
- Limit Omaha High/Low
- Pot-Limit Omaha High/Low
- 5 Card Stud
- 7 Card Stud
There is an abundance of variety available, allowing you to effortlessly discover your preferred poker game and engage in games with varying limits. In addition to the usual cash games, Tioga Downs Casino Resort frequently hosts tournaments. To view the tournament schedule, visit the official website of the casino.
FanDuel sportsbook at the Tioga Downs Casino Resort
In the summer of 2019, the Tioga Downs Casino and Resort introduced the FanDuel Sportsbook, making it the inaugural retail sportsbook in the state of New York.
The sports betting area spans 2,600 square feet and embodies all the qualities one would anticipate in a FanDuel physical venue. Complete with 27 high-definition screens, including a colossal video wall, it also houses eight betting kiosks and ample seating for over 50 individuals.
The sportsbook provides betting options for a wide range of popular sporting events such as football, basketball, baseball, hockey, MMA/boxing, soccer, and many others. Each sport has numerous markets available for betting enthusiasts. Operating hours are from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.
Harness racing at the Tioga Downs
Originally opened in 1976, Tioga Park was initially a quarter horse race track. However, in 2006, it underwent a renovation that transformed it into a 5/8 mile harness racetrack. The racing season at Tioga Park takes place annually from May to September and features several prestigious races. Noteworthy events held at the park include the New York Sire Stakes, Roll With Joe Open Pace, Empire Breeders Classic, and Tompkins Geers Grand Circuit Stakes, among others.
In addition to placing bets on live harness racing, you have the opportunity to enjoy year-round simulcasting of the most popular races from across North America.
Tioga Downs Casino Resort amenities
Tioga Downs Casino Resort Hotel
The 160-room hotel at Tioga Downs Casino Resort offers guests spacious accommodations and suites. Each room provides a stunning view of the surrounding area and is furnished with modern amenities such as flat-screen TVs, coffee makers, mini-fridges, complimentary Wi-Fi, and additional features.
Visitors have the freedom to enjoy the hotel’s spa center or unwind at the Cabana Bar and outdoor pool. Additionally, it is worth mentioning that the hotel strictly prohibits smoking, ensuring a 100% smoke-free environment.
Dining options
There are eight dining venues at Tioga Downs Casino Resort, each offering a unique style, cuisine, and price range.
- If you’re in need of a steaming cup of coffee to kickstart your day, look no further than Java G’s. We offer a variety of espresso options for you to choose from, along with a delectable selection of breakfast pastries, sandwiches, sweets, salads, and baked goods.
- Head on over to P.J. Clarke’s for a delightful morning, midday, or evening meal while relishing the scenic view of the harness racetrack from their fabulous outdoor patio.
- Experience the true essence of barbecue at Virgil’s Real BBQ. Immerse yourself in an authentic Southern-style restaurant, where rustic charm meets mouthwatering BBQ specialties.
- The Sideshow Lounge is situated on the gaming floor, making it the perfect spot for late-night excitement. With its impressive 220-foot entertainment screen and live shows every Friday and Saturday, it guarantees a fantastic time.
- You can’t have a casino without a buffet, and The Kitchen at Tioga Downs is here to satisfy all your cravings. Enjoy a wide range of delectable options, including hot dogs, salads, seafood, pasta, and desserts.
- Come to Coasters Sports Bar for the perfect spot to root for your beloved team while indulging in delicious food and invigorating beverages.
- Experience the Carousel Bar by indulging in a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic mixers, along with an extensive selection of beers, as you take a delightful spin around.
- If you’re looking to quickly grab a slice and get back to your slot machine without any delay, Mister G’s Post Time Pizza is the perfect place to fulfill your taste cravings.
Tioga Downs Casino Resort history
Tioga Downs, originally known as Tioga Park, was established in 1976 as a quarter horse track. Unfortunately, the track faced consistent financial losses, leading to its closure after a mere three seasons. In 2005, Jeff Gural, a New York real estate executive, acquired Tioga Park for $32 million. His vision was to transform it into a racino, taking advantage of the approval of Video Lottery Terminals (VLTs) at racetracks that occurred in the same year.
On June 9, 2006, Tioga Downs celebrated its grand opening, providing visitors with exciting live harness racing, simulcast betting, and over 800 video slots. Later in 2015, the establishment was granted a license to introduce table games, leading to the addition of several dozen tables in 2016.
After the racino’s last expansion, the hotel resort was introduced in 2017, leading to the renaming of the entire complex as Tioga Downs Casino Resort.