Many were celebrating Kathy Hochul’s reelection as governor of New York on November 8, but the Seneca Nation of Indians weren’t among them. The Native American tribe in western New York believes Hochul has acted in bad faith in the group’s attempt to get a new and “fair” gaming compact.
Negotiations have been ongoing for a new deal between Seneca Nation and the state of New York, but not much headway has been made. The current deal expires at the end of 2023.
The tribe blames Hochul for the lack of progress. Matthew Pagels, president of Seneca Nation, told Capital Today that they are “putting every foot forward” to finalize a deal. The governor’s office, however, is “making not as much of a commitment.”
“What we’re working to do is create a fair compact,” Pagels added. “Right now, it is very timely. It is of the essence. There is only 13 months left on the compact.”
Another grievance expressed by Seneca Nation is how Hochul and her administration plans to take some of the casino gaming revenue from the tribe and put it towards a new Buffalo Bills stadium.
Pagels was blunt when asked about the plan for the new NFL stadium and the money being taken away.
“It will never be forgotten,” Pagels said.
This isn’t the first skirmish the Seneca Nation has had with its state. At the end of 2017, the tribe claimed revenue-sharing payments were no longer valid, saying they were only required for 14 years after the compact was enacted, which was 2002.
The state disagreed and a federal appeals court sided with New York, requiring the tribe to pay the Empire State $435 million. The state froze Seneca Nation’s bank accounts until the past due amount, as well as another $131 million, was paid.
Hochul released a statement thanking the tribe for their payment and said she was directing the money toward the Bills’ new stadium.
“(Hochul) couldn’t contain her excitement to boast about her Seneca ransom money for a new stadium,” Pagels told reporters at the time. “The governor’s new stadium won’t be a product of progress. It will be a monument to Albany’s vindictive desire to punish the Seneca people.”
Despite the bad blood, Pagels is hoping a new compact can be reached. He said that several other casinos, as well as legal online sports betting, has led to a proliferation of legal gambling that is hurting Seneca Nation.
“There are thousands of people, thousands of jobs,” Pagels said. “Not just the Senecas but Western New York lives around the three facilities owned by the Seneca Nation and we need (Hochul’s) commitment.”
