Shinnecock Nation approves agreement with casino partner

Monday, February 6, 2012  

Members of the Shinnecock Nation of New York voted 101-10 to approve a gaming agreement.

The tribe and Gateway Casino Resorts plan to build three casinos on Long Island. So far, one site -- at the Belmont Park Raceway -- has been announced.

The tribe now wants to sit down with Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D) and discuss a Class III gaming compact. "We need to be heard," trustee Randy King told Newsday "We should not be shut out of helping our state with jobs and economic development after being here for hundreds and hundreds of years."

Cuomo supports an expansion of non-Indian gaming and has questioned the Belmont site because of its proximity to the Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens. Genting Group, a Malaysian company, operates slot machines at the Aqueduct and has proposed a $4 billion convention center there.

Get the Story:
Shinnecocks approve pact to build casino (Newsday 2/5)
Shinnecocks Moving Forward On Gaming Contract (The Southampton Press 2/4)

Related Stories:
New York governor doubts Shinnecock Nation's casino site (2/3)