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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2001

With the prospects for expanded Seneca Nation gaming warming up due to September 11's terrorist attacks, some in New York are heartily welcoming a deal being ironed out by state leaders on Tuesday.

The tribe's three proposed casinos would bring much needed jobs and revenue, which are especially needed in these troubling times, say advocates. In upstate New York, for example, the city of Buffalo hopes casinos can help bail them out of near-financial ruin.

Detractors, however, say it is unfair to use the attacks as an impetus for gaming. While casinos may generate money, they aren't a suitable economic development vehicle, they say.

According to Gov. George Pataki (R), who has been itching to finalize a deal with the tribe, the state could lose up to $9 billion over the next 18 months due to the attack. State Senate Majority Leader Joseph Bruno, a Republican who supports Pataki, believes Seneca gaming can bring in $1 billion over the next three to four years.

With details all set, the State Legislature could vote on a gaming package that includes other proposals beyond the Seneca deal as early as today.

Get the Story:
Gambling Expansion Is Part of Albany Budget Agreement (The New York Times 10/24)
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State's gambling expansion gets mixed reviews (AP 10/23)
Pataki, legislative leaders eyeing gambling expansion (AP 10/23)

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