The Seneca Nation is eager to resolve a dispute over gaming revenues, tribal leaders said.

President Robert Odawi Porter and Council Chairman Richard Nephew disputed comments by local officials in Niagara Falls about the status of arbitration talks with the state. They said claims that the tribe wanted to wait a year to resolve the dispute were inaccurate.

The tribe has withheld an estimated $400 million, accusing the state of allowing an expansion of non-Indian gaming. At one point, the tribe wanted to give the money directly to local communities but that isn't an option because it would require a change in the Class III gaming compact, Porter said.

Arbitration talks are expected to begin within the next week, The Buffalo News reported.

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As city waits for casino revenue, Porter rules out direct payments (The Buffalo News 5/6)

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