Indian Gaming

The Seneca Nation is standing alone in its Class III gaming compact dispute with the state of New York.

The tribe has withheld an estimated $600 million in gaming revenues from the state due to a dispute over exclusivity provisions in the Class III gaming compact. The two parties entered arbitration but Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) threatened to expand non-Indian gaming options, sparking claims of bullying by the tribe.

Cuomo has since signed deals with the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and the Oneida Nation to share gaming revenues. The Seneca Nation hasn't reached an agreement.

"One of the things I wanted to do is actually get these compacts operable so the tribes are making the payments they're supposed to be," Cuomo told The Niagara Falls Gazette.

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe was withholding gaming revenues as well. To end the dispute, Cuomo agreed to accept $30 million, about half of the amount that was owed under the compact.

The Oneida Nation agreed to share revenues for the first time. Some $50 million is expected every year.

In exchange for revenues, Cuomo agreed not to pursue non-Indian casinos in the tribes' territories. A map from The Albany Times-Union shows the current lay of the land:

Get the Story:
Governor mum on casino talks (The Niagara Gazette 5/22)
Game of casinos includes Saratoga (The Albany Times-Union 5/23)
Lake George out of the running for Vegas-style casino after Cuomo-Mohawks deal (The Saratogian 5/23)

Related Stories:
Editorial: Seneca Nation compact dispute needs resolution (5/22)