The Seneca Nation of New York is seeing more opposition to its proposed off-reservation casino.
The tribe recently acquired 32 acres in Henrietta for $2.7 million. The town board opposes the casino, along with 14 state lawmakers. “We believe that any expansion of gaming opportunities into Western New York will have a devastating impact on existing institutions that contribute millions of dollars to the local economy,” a group of lawmakers told Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), The Batavia Daily News reported. The lawmakers are referring to Western Regional Off-Track Betting facility. It's a public corporation owned by 15 counties and two cities in the Seneca Nation's territory. In February, Cuomo said the tribe hasn't approached him about the project. The tribe's Class III compact authorizes two off-reservation casinos -- one in Buffalo and the other in Niagara Falls -- and an on-reservation facility. The casino in Henrietta would presumably require an amendment to the compact. Get the Story: