New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) introduced legislation to authorize three commercial casinos in the state.
The bill opens Seneca Nation territory to non-Indian development. The Class III gaming compact guarantees exclusivity but the tribe is withholding about $600 million in a dispute over the provisions. The bill does not allow casinos near the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe or the Oneida Nation. Both tribes have agreed to share gaming revenues with the state. "Tribes with compacts that are in good standing with the state will have their geographic exclusivity honored," Cuomo's office said in a press release. "No destination resort will be authorized in the North Country and in Central New York." Cuomo's office stated, referring to the regions that are exclusive to the two tribes. "If the Seneca Indian Nation does not have an agreement in good standing, the Western region will be bid out for destination resorts," the press release states. Elsewhere, the bill includes the Catskills, a region about 90 minutes north of New York City. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe, both based in Connecticut, are interested in casinos there. The bill does not include Long Island, where the Shinnecock Nation has been pursuing a casino. In addition to authorizing commercial casinos, the bill ratifies an agreement with the Oneida Nation that address land, sovereignty, taxation, law enforcement and other issues. Two counties affected by the settlement have already approved it. Cuomo wants lawmakers to approve the bill before the legislation session ends on June 20. If it passes, a referendum to expand non-Indian gaming will go on the November ballot because it requires a change to the state constitution. Get the Story: