Leaders of the Shinnecock Nation of New York hope to open a casino once the tribe gains federal recognition but a difference of opinion might affect the debate.
At a recent gaming conference, trustee Fred Bess said the tribe will consider any location in the state for a casino as long as it maximizes profits. That could include a race track near New York City. Former trustee Lance Gumbs wants to stick to a site near the tribe's reservation on Long Island. But for now, he is on the sidelines because he lost his bid for re-election. "We started this for jobs for our people," Gumbs told The East Hampton Press. "It was supposed to be a place where Shinnecock people could work and have good-paying jobs. There are some real bad examples out there of what just giving handouts to tribe members will do." The Bureau of Indian Affairs agreed to issue a preliminary decision on the tribe in December. A final decision is expected in mid-2010. Get the Story: