New York governor calls for expansion of non-Indian gaming

Thursday, January 10, 2013  

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) called for an expansion of non-Indian gaming in his State of the State address on Wednesday.

Cuomo said gaming can stimulate the economy in upstate New York. He plans to push for three casinos in the region but didn't say whether that would infringe on exclusivity provisions in existing Class III gaming compacts.

"Casino gaming has significant potential to be a major economic engine for New York State," Cuomo said in a lengthy document accompanying the State of the State. The gaming-specific portion can be found here.

The Seneca Nation and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe are currently withholding the state's share of Class III revenues. They say the state has allowed unauthorized gaming in their zones of exclusivity.

In his plan, Cuomo said local communities must support gaming. The Oneida Nation has been pushing for local votes.

Get the Story:
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Rating agency downgrades Falls' bond rating, citing casino cash concerns (The Niagara Gazette 1/9)

Debate expected on expansion of non-Indian gaming in New York (1/8)