Seneca Nation wants gaming revenues sent to communities

Monday, October 11, 2010  

The Seneca Nation of New York is proposing to send gaming revenues directly to local communities instead of the state government.

The tribe agreed to share 25 percent of slot machine revenues with the state. But the payments are on hold due to a dispute over the expansion of non-Indian gaming.

The tribe, however, says it will still distribute $214 million as long as the state agrees to an amendment in the Class III gaming compact. Local leaders are supporting the idea.

"We're all in this game together. Whatever we do, we do together. We'll work with the local governments," Seneca President Barry E. Snyder Sr. said at a press conference, The Buffalo News reported.

Gov. David Paterson (D) is threatening to terminate the compact unless the tribe shares the money.

Get the Story:
Senecas propose payments to localities (The Buffalo News 10/8)
Senecas propose slot machine compromise (The Tonawanda News 10/9)
Senecas Await Word From Governor’s Office On Negotiations (The Jamestown Post-Journal 10/9)

Related Stories:
Seneca Nation holds meetings over disputed compact payment (10/8)
New York governor threatens to terminate Seneca gaming deal (10/7)
City making cuts in response to Seneca Nation compact dispute (9/20)
Seneca Nation holding slot revenues from off-reservation casino (9/13)
Seneca Nation accuses state of violating Class III casino compact (8/31)