Seneca Chief: Compact Talks to Resume Soon
The gaming compact between the Seneca Nation and the state of New York technically expired in December 2023, although both sides have agreed to an auto-renewing temporary extension since. For several months, however, there has been little talk of progress, especially with a tribal election last November. But new President J.C. Seneca told WKBW last week that discussions are expected to begin again soon.
“We’ve had great dialogue with the governor’s office. … We’re working on specific dates and times to be able to get that done and get that process started,” Seneca told the outlet.
Notably, Seneca was also asked if he had changed his stance about revenue sharing—under the tribe’s previous compact, 25 percent of slot revenue from its three casinos was shared with the host cities, but the incoming chief has been adamant that he is not amenable to revenue share if the state does not cede something in return, possibly iGaming.
“Time has changed since then, so what are their other values that are here today?” Seneca said. “Certainly, on the forefront of everybody’s mind is iGaming, so I think you know something like that may provide that opportunity to be able to look at that.”
Feds Reject Potawatomi Amendment, Clearing Way for Kenosha Casino
The Department of the Interior has rejected a proposed amendment to the gaming compact between the Forest County Potawatomi Community and the state of Wisconsin, per a May 20 report from WLIP. With the denial, the Menominee Tribe now has a much clearer runway to develop its proposed $360 million casino project in Kenosha.
Essentially, the Potawatomi had attempted to remove the 2031 expiration date for provisions that would allow the tribe to reduce payments to the state if another tribal casino is built within 30-50 miles of Milwaukee, and the Menominee project falls within that scope.
But Scott Davis, senior advisor to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, ruled that the amendment would “favor one tribe while disfavoring other tribes” and therefore violate the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The Menominee proposal, which is still working its way through the approval process, now has a much better chance of success with the denial, as the Potawatomi amendment would have created “significant financial disincentives” to approve new developments, the DOI said.
The proposed casino, in partnership with Hard Rock, would be built on 60 acres and include 1,500 slots, 50+ tables, a hotel, entertainment venue, dining options and more.
Graton Spending Shifts to Republicans Post-Trump
A May 17 report from the Press Democrat showed that the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, one of the most powerful gaming tribes in the U.S., has reversed its political contributions in order to boost Republican candidates and causes following President Donald Trump’s election last November.
The tribe has in years past given millions to Democratic initiatives and campaigns, but it donated more than $170,000 in February and March to Republican groups and political committees. Of that total, $100,000 was given to the National Republican Congressional Committee.
One immediate reason for this shift could be a means to try and block a nearby casino project from the Koi Nation that was approved right before Trump took office. Graton filed a lawsuit to reverse that approval and could be donating to Republicans in efforts to sway the ruling. Another controversial approval from the same time, for the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians’ project in Vallejo, is already being reconsidered, so there’s a possibility that the Koi approval could be put on hold as well.
“We give to causes we believe in regardless of political affiliation,” Graton Rancheria Chair Greg Sarris said in a statement to the Press Democrat. “As the original residents of this land, we stand for environmental stewardship, social justice for all and sovereignty rights for tribes.”
Oregon Tribal Casino Rebrands
On May 19, the Coquille Indian Tribe’s Mill Casino in North Bend, Oregon was rebranded as the Ko-Kwel Casino Resort Coos Bay, per KPIC, as part of its 30-year anniversary celebration. Additionally, the casino partnered with Caesars Sportsbook to launch sports betting kiosks at the property.
“We remain committed to supporting Indian gaming, and we’re proud to partner with the Coquille Indian Tribe to enhance their guest experience,” Eric Hession, president of Caesars Digital, said in a statement. “Bringing our sports wagering offering to a new jurisdiction for the first time is always significant.”
