Oneida Nation launches campaign to block non-Indian casino

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

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The Oneida Nation of New York is stepping up its campaign against a non-Indian commercial casino that will be located at the edge of the tribe's exclusivity zone.

The tribe sued the New York Gaming Commission in September to obtain documents related to the approval of the $425 million Lago Resort & Casino. The tribe is now launching a public relations effort to get the approval decision reversed.

"It was a plan that was supposed to revitalize Upstate, with the promise of new jobs," the Say No To Lago ad states. "But the Lago casino breaks that promise, shifting jobs from one community while hurting other communities in Upstate."

Artist's rendering of the Lago Resort & Casino in New York. Photo from Facebook

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The casino will be located off a major highway in the town of Tyre. The site is about 76 miles from the Oneida Nation's Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona and about 63 miles from the new Yellow Brick Road Casino in Chittenango.

The facility has generated significant controversy in the community and opposition from the owners of three non-Indian racinos in the area. A lawsuit filed by a group called Casino Free Tyre has temporarily halted construction.

In related news, the Oneida Nation has yet to break ground on a $100 million shopping at Turning Stone. The project was announced nearly a year ago.

Get the Story:
Oneidas launch campaign against Lago casino (The Utica Observer-Dispatch 10/21)
Oneidas turn up heat on Lago (The Albany Times-Union 10/21)
Oneida Indian Nation Launches Campaign Against Lago (TWC 10/21)
Construction delayed on Oneidas' retail outlet mall (The Utica Observer-Dispatch 10/19)Related Stories:
Oneida Nation files lawsuit over non-Indian commercial casino (09/09)
Oneida Nation still working on shopping center at gaming facility (06/24)
Oneida Nation asks state to deny license for non-Indian casino (04/03)
Column: Tribes concerned about commercial casinos in New York (01/22)
Editorial: Expansion of gaming pushed as quick fix for New York (12/22)
New York passes over tribes for first commercial casino licenses (12/18)