In the continuing saga of the Seneca Nation versus New York State, the tribe has asked the state to wait for the National Indian Gaming Commission to complete its review of their gaming compact.
New York has demanded two casino cash payments of $540 million total. If the nation does not pay up, the state will seek to seize the funds, according to the Olean Times Herald.
“The NIGC’s review and the time needed to complete that review is not a matter that the Seneca Nation can control,” Seneca Nation President Matthew Pagels said. “We have pressed and continue to press the agency for an update. We hope that an official report from NIGC will come soon.”
Pagels wants the state to begin discussions on an amended gaming compact based on developments in the marketplace.
“The state is required by federal law to negotiate with the Seneca Nation,” he said. “Unlike the NIGC review, that dialogue, which could produce meaningful and needed changes for our gaming business in Western New York and the thousands of people we employ, is completely in the control of the nation and the state.”
State attorneys said if payments were not received by March 16, New York would “immediately undertake enforcement and collection efforts” in respect of all amounts due under the judgment, according to the Niagara Gazette.
The Senecas are preparing for any outcome, including further legal action should the state seek to take the funds by court order.
“The NIGC’s review, and the time needed to complete that review, is not a matter that the Seneca Nation can control. We have pressed, and continue to press, the agency for an update,” Pagels said.
