Decision on Seneca casino compact near

FROM THE ARCHIVE

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2002

UPDATE: Secretary of Interior Gale Norton has exercised her option not to approve or disapprove a gaming compact between the Seneca Nation and the state of New York.

The decision means that the agreement is considered valid but only to the extent its terms comply with federal gaming law. A similar instance occurred during the Clinton administration when former Secretary Bruce Babbitt neither approved nor denied a compact between the state of New Mexico and several tribes.

In a statement issued by the department, Norton said she will inform Seneca Nation President Cyrus M. Schindler and Gov. George Pataki (R) of the decision. A letter, however, explaining the reasons won't be available until tomorrow at the earliest.

The Seneca compact authorizes three casinos, two located off reservation. One is currently under construction in Niagara Falls.

The compact calls for the tribe to share 25 percent of slot machine revenues with the state. It has other provisions that limit the use of land settlement funds the tribe was awarded.

Get the Story:
Loophole looms in casino deal (The Buffalo News 10/24)