New York opens bidding process for Southern Tier casino; only 1 contender so far

The bidding process is formally underway for those interested in building a Las Vegas-style casino in New York's Southern Tier.

The state's Gaming Commission approved a new request for applications at a meeting Monday.

So far only one contender has announced interest in building a casino in the economically struggling region along the state's border with Pennsylvania.

That bidder is Tioga Downs, a harness racing track and electronic gaming facility west of Binghamton.

An earlier casino proposal from Tioga Downs was rejected in December by a state siting board. The board instead endorsed casino projects in the Catskills, the Finger Lakes and Schenectady.

After leaders in the Southern Tier objected, Gov. Andrew Cuomo directed the Gaming Commission to reopen bidding.

Applications are due in July, with a decision expected this fall.