Free-Play Blackjack
Free-Play Table Games
Free-Play Slots
Free-Play Poker
Free-Play Video Poker
500 Nations Casino

Live Dealer

Shinnecock hope for Indian Casino on Long Island

#1 Casino Choice of U.S. Players
Blackjack • Slots • Tables • Live Dealer • Video Poker • Crypto
0 $3,000 Casino Welcome Bonus!
0 $3,750 Crypto Welcome Bonus!  BOVADA CASINO
May 27, 2009

LONG ISLAND - The Shinnecock Indian Nation, who would like to build the first casino in downstate New York, must first gain tribal recognition from the United States government. A major hurdle was cleared this week towards that goal when a settlement was made with the Interior Department that requires a preliminary ruling on its tribal status by December 15th.

After 30 years of court fights, the Shinnecocks believe they are close to federal recognition, New York state formally recognized the tribe many years ago, and a federal judge ruled in 2005 that they are a sovereign tribe.

If granted federal recognition, the Shinnecocks would immediately have the right to build a "Class II" casino on their reservation. Class II gaming is video slot machines, but no table games.

The settlement was filed Tuesday in United States District Court in Central Islip, NY. The tribe applied for federal recognition in 1978, but never received a reply. So in 2006, it sued the U.S. Department of Interior for failing to process its request in a reasonable amount of time.

As part of the settlement, the Interior Department will hold a public meeting on June 3 for the Shinnecocks to present and discuss their petition with officials from the Bureau of Indian Affairs, a an agency within the Interior Department

"It's a good deal for all sides," said Nedra Darling, a spokeswoman for the Bureau of Indian Affairs. "We've all agreed to these time frames. On our side, we want to get the decision done. Agreeing to the time frame will move towards that."

Return to New York Casinos.

Disclaimer: All images are copyright to their respective owners and are used by 500 Nations for informational purposes only.

500 Nations is an independent directory and information service free of any gaming operator's control and not affiliated with any casino.
Warning: You must ensure you meet all age and other regulatory requirements before entering a casino or placing a wager. There are hundreds of jurisdictions in the world with Internet access and hundreds of different games and gambling opportunities available on the Internet. Do not assume that Internet gaming sites are in compliance with the rules and regulations of every jurisdiction from which they accept players. YOU are responsible for determining if it is legal for YOU to play any particular game or place any particular wager under the laws of the jurisdiction where you are located.