A New York state lawmaker who has repeatedly called for Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office to finish negotiations with the Seneca Nation of Indians and approve a new gaming compact for the tribe is renewing his call for action.
The tribe’s 20-year gaming compact, under which the tribe pays the state 25 percent of revenues—around $100 million per year—from the operation of four casinos in western New York, was set to expire in December. The state and tribe agreed to extend the current compact twice, the most recent extension lasting through September.
Hochul, after recusing herself from negotiations last year because her husband worked for Delaware North, a competitor to the Seneca casinos, resumed official negotiations with the tribe this year. However, the two parties were unable to reach an agreement before the 2024 legislative session ended in early June.
State Assemblyman Joseph Giglio, who has long pushed for renewal of the compact, renewed his criticism of the delays last week.
“We are on track to enter our third three-month extension,” Giglio said, according to the Olean Times Herald. “I’ve spoken with Seneca Nation Council members who told me every time they think they have a deal, something happens that derails the talks. A new gaming compact is vital to our regional economy across Western New York.”
“The pace and progress of the process so far, while detailed and deliberate, have been painstaking, frustrating, and disappointing at times,” Seneca President Rickey Armstrong Sr. said in a statement after the first compact extension was granted.
“Regardless, we will continue to focus on and work toward a fair new compact that adequately addresses our rights and concerns in the context of today’s growing and changing gaming market. That has been our priority from day one.”
“Every day, Seneca Nation members and Seneca Nation businesses make vital cultural and economic contributions to our community,” said Giglio. “I urge Governor Hochul and her team to sit down with President Armstrong and Seneca Nation leaders to forge a new compact for the benefit of our community and all of Western New York…
“It’s time for executive branch negotiating team to come back to the table and negotiate a deal in good faith with the Seneca Nation, for the benefit of everyone in Western New York, native and non-native.”
