The New York State Gaming Commission’s announcement is the predictable outcome of a process that was predetermined to reach this result. This decision was marred by conflicts of interest, contradictory standards and total disregard for public interest. The outcome hurts Central New York, which violates Governor Cuomo’s stated purposes of the gaming law. For months, countless community and business leaders, elected officials and individual New Yorkers have spotlighted these problems to the gaming commission. Unfortunately, the decision was forced through by public officials who were blindly committed to this project and abandoned the public trust. We are left with no choice but to turn to the courts. Litigation is necessary when public officials abandon their public responsibilities.

Click here to view a letter that was sent today from Williams & Connolly LLP to the New York State Gaming Commission notifying them that Turning Stone Resort Casino LLC and James and Desiree Dawley will be filing a court challenge to today’s unlawful award of a casino license to the Lago Resort & Casino, LLC.