Just two years after a deal was struck among Oneida Indian Nation, the state and Oneida Madison County, the county is looking to revisit the deal and possibly get a bigger share of what Oneida casinos are bringing in. Madison County Board of Supervisors Chair John Becker said, “All Madison County is looking for is our fair share of the revenue.”
The recent opening of the Nation’s Yellow Brick Road casino seems to have sparked the motion, in addition the Nation adding slot machines to SavOn gas station and convenience stores, of which a few are in Madison County. The 2013 deal gave Madison County $3.5 million a year, but gave Oneida County a percentage of the Nation’s slot machine revenue, or roughly $12.5 million a year.
Madison County is now asking for the same terms Oneida County has, 25 percent of the 25 percent given to the state. While a new deal would have no impact on Oneida County’s take, some officials scoffed at the notion.
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente said, “In that agreement, four parties came to a resolution. To turn around and say, ‘We want a better piece of the pie’? That’s not fair to all of us who are working with that agreement.”
State officials are also not on board, such as Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi, who said, “They were well aware of the agreement they signed and they should honor it and not seek to make changes now.” State Senator Joseph Griffo shared similar feelings, and said, “I would strongly urge that this not be in any way considered, considering how contentious it is and the timing.”
Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office declined comment.
