New York Gaming Expansion opposed by Seneca Indian Nation

December 06, 2011

With New York Governor Andrew Como and legislature pushing for new gaming in the state, the Seneca Indian Nation gave opposition. Leaders of the Seneca Nation vow to fight the gaming expansion in order to maintain their gaming as the only casino operator in the state’s western region.

The state’s government are pushing for the new gaming as a new way to help develop jobs and increase state revenue. The Seneca Nation believes the expansion could hurt their business by having too much competition.

Currently the tribe has three casinos.

In 2002 a compact was agreed upon and gave the Seneca Indian Nation gaming rights that are exclusive in 14 counties of western New York. It was also agreed that a portion of the casinos revenues would go to the state, as well as the cities the casinos are located in. These cities are Salamanca, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls. The compact is valid until 2023.

When the government allowed for racetracks to operate slot machines, the tribe felt there was a violation of the compact. The Senecas also believe recent issue of expanded gaming could also be a gaming violation.

Gov. Como, Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver are purposing a constitutional amendment that would allow for casino gaming outside of Indian land.

Currently the casinos owned by the Seneca tribe have over 3,700 employees making them the largest explorer for the region.

Return to New York Casinos.