Seneca Nation discusses off-reservation casino

Wednesday, February 11, 2009  

The Seneca Nation of New York met with state officials on Tuesday to discuss the tribe's proposed off-reservation casino.

The tribe and Rotate Black Gaming of Michigan plan a casino in the Catskills, an area near New York City. The tribe says the facility will create 4,000 jobs and provide a boost to the economy.

The project requires approval by the Interior Department, whose new leader, Secretary Ken Salazar , has not stated his position on off-reservation gaming. The Bush administration, in January 2008, adopted a guidance memorandum that essentially bars off-reservation casinos.

Approval is also required from Gov. David Paterson (D), who hasn't stated his views on off-reservation gaming either. His predecessor, former governor Eliot Spitzer, approved another off-reservation casino in the Catskills that was rejected by the Bush administration under the guidance memo.

Get the Story:
Seneca officials initiate casino talks with governor’s office (Mid-Hudson News Network 2/11)