The
Seneca Nation and the state of New York remain far apart as a new Class III gaming compact dispute emerges.
In March, the tribe announced that it would no longer share revenues with the state. A payment -- estimated by Gambling Insider to be $28 million -- would have been due on July 1 but was not made.
"The Nation faithfully honored and fulfilled our obligation, sending more than $1.2 billion to Albany since 2002,"
President Todd Gates wrote in The Niagara Gazette ahead of the deadline. "Per the compact, that obligation has now ended."
Gates said the tribe is willing to discuss the issue with the state but no meetings have occurred since March. Local officials also confirmed the lack of talks.
It's possible the dispute could be headed into arbitration, something that happened when
revenues were withheld a few years ago. Talks resulted in an
agreement to distribute a portion of the revenues to the state in 2013.
The compact took effect in 2002. Under the tribe's reading of the agreement, revenue sharing was to take place for 14 years.
The agreement does not expire until 2037.
Read More on the Story:
State, Senecas still not talking as key date passes
(The Niagara Gazette 7/5)
New York tribal payment dispute enters its third month
(Gambling Insider 6/27)
An Opinion
Seneca Nation President Todd Gates: Seneca Nation committed to being good neighbors
(The Niagara Gazette 6/27)
Federal Register Notice:
Indian
Gaming (December 9, 2002)
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