New York governor's position on off-reservation casino unknown

Monday, July 18, 2011  

Will New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) agree to off-reservation casinos? Tribes and supporters hope he so but so far he's given no indication of his stance on the issue.

State law authorizes up to three tribal casinos in the Catskills. Cuomo's three predecessors -- Republican and Democrat -- all supported gaming there, although with some qualifications.

George Pataki (R) declined to work with out-of-state tribes, like the Stockbridge-Munsee Community of Wisconsin. But David Paterson (D) agreed to a deal with the tribe, although the Obama administration subsequently rejected it.

Cuomo could go either way. Tribal leaders and officials in the Catskills met with his staff last week although they didn't get a clear view of his position.

Get the Story:
Albany's casino stance unclear (The Middletown Times Herald-Record 7/16)
Three casinos would give Sullivan visitors choices, says Bonacic (Mid-Hudston News Network 7/18)

Related Stories:
Seneca Nation reaffirms plan for Catskills off-reservation casino (7/15)
New York governor lobbied on Catskills off-reservation casino (7/14)