Compact limits Indians to three casinos
Seneca Gaming Corp., the gaming arm of the Seneca Nation of Indians of Western New York, confirmed last week that it paid $2.7 million for a 32-acre parcel in the town of Henrietta, a suburb of Rochester. The Indians hope to build their fourth casino in the community. It would join tribal gaming halls in Salamanca, Buffalo and Niagara Falls.
“Now that we have acquired property, we will begin the process of engaging the community and its leaders in a dialogue on how a potential Seneca development could fit within and benefit Henrietta and the surrounding area,” said Kevin Seneca, Seneca Gaming chairman.
“Our core strength is the gaming business,” said Cathy Walker, Seneca Gaming president and CEO. “Bringing proven, well-respected partners into the development mix, in order to maximize both the development opportunities and the benefits to the local economy, is something that we are excited to explore.”
Walker told the Buffalo Business Journal a Henrietta casino could attract 3.5 million visitors a year, about the same number of people who visit Seneca Allegany in Salamanca. Combined, Seneca Gaming’s three casinos welcome a total of 16 million visitors each year.
Henrietta Town Supervisor Jack Moore, who opposes gaming in the town, told the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle the next step would be to get a specific proposal from Seneca Gaming.
Mark Peterson, president and CEO of Greater Rochester Enterprise, said, “If they can put a deal together, good for them. I think there’s a lot of stumbling blocks to making that happen yet.”
The Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp., which opposes the plan, said the region is “oversaturated” with gaming. “Another facility will cause irreparable harm to thousands of businesses, families and municipalities,” COO Michael Nolan said.
“The market in the Rochester region is underserved and there is sufficient market for all to do well,” she said.
Because the 2002 compact allows for three casinos only, the state would likely have to agree to amend the compact to allow a fourth. Walker said the Seneca Nation also may need federal approval for the project. Governor Andrew Cuomo recently said he has no knowledge of efforts to alter the compact.
