by Dustin Ross, regional racing operations manager, Tioga/Vernon Downs

Nichols, NY — Jeff Gural, CEO of American Racing and Entertainment, LLC today announced the appointment of Thomas Osiecki as President and General Manager of Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs Casinos.

Thomas Osiecki

“We are pleased to announce a continuation of the successful management program for Tioga and Vernon Downs with the appointment of Tom Osiecki as President,” said Gural. “Tom Osiecki has been a key part of the operation of our two properties over the past two years as Assistant General Manager for Tioga Downs and Vice President of Marketing for Tioga Downs and Vernon Downs. During that time Tioga Downs has experienced positive growth.”

In August of 2009 Tioga Downs was selected by the New York Lottery to participate in a pilot program to test the effects of subsidized free play.

“As a result of the test program, Tioga Downs has experienced growth in both rated play and attendance,” Gural stated. “This past year Vernon Downs has held its own despite economic factors and increased competition from Turning Stone.”

Gural announced that he will be taking a more active role in the management of the properties.

“We are pleased with the progress at both facilities in the past few years and I look forward to more frequent involvement with the properties as we plan for future growth,” Gural stated.

Osiecki brings over 16 years of experience in the gaming industry to American Racing and Entertainment. He most recently was the Vice President of Marketing at Island View Casino Resort, in Gulfport, Miss., from 2006-2007. Before that he was the Senior Director of Property Marketing at Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc.’s corporate office in Biloxi, Miss., from 2000-2006.

While at Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc. for over 13 years he was promoted to the corporate office where his role for six years was split between the management of property level marketing strategies and tactics for up to 16 properties. He also oversaw the brand marketing group for a company with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion. Osiecki also served as Senior Director of Marketing for the Isle of Capri’s Bossier City, La. casino and Vicksburg, Miss. casino from 1993 until 2000.

Osiecki brings over 35 years experience in entertainment management having served as general management and influential marketing positions for the Isle of Capri Casinos, Inc., Six Flags Theme Parks, Playboy Casino and Hotel, Atlantic City, N.J. and The Spectrum, Philadelphia, Pa.