"State legislative field hearings were held last week examining whether or not the State will begin the historic process of seeking to amend the New York State Constitution to allow commercialized gambling throughout the State. Supporters of bringing the gambling industry into the Empire State have already started pushing the message that allowing such a dramatic transformation will be the solution to New York’s economic problems. There is a reason, however, why such a bold change cannot happen merely by passing a law. This is one of the extraordinary instances when the Constitution must be amended by two terms of the legislature, followed by a statewide referendum approved by the voters, something which is rarely done.

Undoubtedly, supporters of this effort will point to Indian nations, such as the Oneida Nation, as proof of the positive impact gaming can have on New York’s communities. The problem with that argument, however, is that Indian nations are fundamentally different from the gambling industry. Unlike them, we are governments that are obligated to invest our revenues and resources into our ancestral lands and surrounding communities right here in New York. This is the real story of the Oneida Indian Nation and its success.

Take a look at Central New York. The region was once one of the primary manufacturing centers of this country until the shareholders and board members of countless companies closed up and moved to places like Mexico and China in search of higher profits."

Get the Story:
Ray Halbritter: The Real Story About American Indian Gaming in New York State (Indian Country Today 9/14)