It was a decision that left many in the Southern Tier wondering what went wrong. Months later, the recommendation process for three casino licenses across the state is now under investigation. Matt Jarchow explains what officials are looking at.
When the state Gaming Commission recommended three groups be awarded casino licenses last December, Tioga Downs was left out.
Owner Jeff Gural said he didn't understand why. Then last week, investigators in the Attorney General's office spoke with Gural about the selection process.
"I guess they've been planning to meet with I assume the 13 people who didn't get a license and to determine if we thought anything occurred that we thought would be illegal," Gural said.
In question is the relationship between the bidders and a consulting firm hired by the Gaming Commission. In the applications, five identified dealings with the firm Taft, Stettinius and Hollister as a possible conflict of interest. Of the five, three received the recommendations for a casino license.
"They should have brought in somebody who could distance themselves in a situation like that," Gural said. "Just like you see in the Supreme Court, someone recused themselves if they have a relationship, but we'll see how it turns out."
Gural said he doesn't think anything illegal happened in the selection process.
A statement from the Gaming Commission said, "The process strictly followed the provisions of the Upstate New York Gaming Economic Development Act," and that, "The commission has had no inquiries with any oversight authority on the casino siting process."
The Attorney General's office declined comment on the story. Other casinos were not available or also declined comment, and calls to the consulting firm were not returned.