Seneca Nation President Barry Snyder Sr. and New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) announce gaming agreement in Niagara Falls. June 13, 2013. Photo Governor's Office
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) has until Thursday to push his non-Indian gaming bill through the state Legislature. Cuomo initially threatened to place non-Indian casinos near existing tribal facilities. But after reaching deals with the Oneida Nation, the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe and, most recently, the Seneca Nation, those are off the table. “Negotiating with Native Americans is different, much different” than dealing with other parties, Cuomo told The Buffalo News. The tribes agreed to share gaming revenues with the state in order to protect their exclusive right to Class III gaming in their territories. The Mohawks and the Senecas negotiated a discount on past payments in order to settle their disputes with the state. The Oneidas agreed to share revenues for the first time. If the Legislature approves the non-Indian bill, the expansion will be put to voters on a referendum in November. Get the Story:
Success of Cuomo’s Plan for More Casinos Relies on His Power of Persuasion (The New York Times 6/17)
Cuomo's casino deal fate uncertain in Legislature (NYSNYS News 6/16)
Snyder opens up about casino tensions between state, Senecas (The Buffalo News 6/15)
Officials unsure how, when cash will flow (The Olean Times Herald 6/15) Related Stories:
Seneca Nation ends dispute over Class III gaming compact (6/14)
New York governor proposes bill for three commercial casinos (06/06)
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