Little progress seen in Seneca Nation casino compact dispute

Tuesday, May 1, 2012  

Officials in Niagara Falls, New York, don't feel optimistic about receiving their share of gaming revenues from the Seneca Nation anytime soon.

The tribe has withheld an estimated $400 million, accusing the state of allowing an expansion of non-Indian gaming. Local communities are hurting without the casino cash.

"We’re in a tough, tough situation," a Niagara Falls council member said at a public meeting, The Niagara Gazette reported.

The tribe and the state have agreed to enter in to arbitration over the dispute but it could take a year to resolve, another council member said. The state is pushing for a quick resolution.

In recent weeks, council members have met with Seneca President Robert Odawi Porter, state lawmakers and representatives of Gov. Andrew Cuomo (D), who supports an expansion of non-Indian gaming.

Get the Story:
Falls in 'a bad spot' when it comes to casino cash (The Niagara Gazette 5/1)

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Karen Karsten: Racism and hypocrisy over Seneca casino (4/23)