Republican candidate threatens to shut Oneida Nation's casino

Thursday, October 14, 2010  

Carl Paladino, the Republican candidate for governor of New York, says he will shut down the Oneida Nation casino if the tribe doesn't agree to share revenues with the state.

The tribe signed a Class III gaming compact in 1993. It was approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

The state courts later said the deal was invalid. But the BIA said it can't revoke its approval and the Turning Stone Resort and Casino has remained in operation.

“I will tell the Oneidas they have two weeks to come to the table,” Paladino told The Utica Observer-Dispatch of his plan to deal with the issue “You watch how quickly they’ll break down when I take away the spoon that’s feeding them.”

The Oneida Nation responded with a statement that cited the BIA's approval of the compact. "With this sort of reckless approach to governing, Paladino has shown he is unfit to be the Governor," the tribe said.

Get the Story:
Paladino threatens to close Turning Stone Casino (AP 10/13)
Paladino: If we can't reach a deal, I'll shut down the Turning Stone casino (WKTV 10/13)
Paladino calls Oneidas gaming compact illegal (The Utica Observer-Dispatch 10/14)