Tribe would have to amend compact
The New York-based Seneca Nation of Indians, which owns 32 acres in Monroe County near Rochester, has suspended plans to develop a casino there in the near future. However, the Indians have not ruled out such a development in the future, though local voters don’t like the idea, according to the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle.
The greatest opposition comes from the suburbs of Rochester. A poll conducted by the newspaper found that 52 percent of respondents oppose a tribal casino in Monroe County, and only 39 percent support the idea. Nine percent said they were unsure. The Senecas have more support—52 percent—among city dwellers.
“Going to a Bills game, that’s for fun, but this seems like a somewhat sleazy way to make money off of people’s addiction,” said one respondent, Rob Pokalsky of Penfield.
But Rick Scipione of Greece feels differently. “If it’s good enough for Finger Lakes and Buffalo, we should profit from the same thing. If you’re going to drink or gamble, it’s always going to be there—you might as well bring it to your own city.”
A Seneca casino may face a tough approval process. The nation’s compact with the state allows for three casinos only. The Senecas already operate three, in Salamanca, Niagara Falls and Buffalo.
John Riley of the activist group No More Casinos told the Democrat and Chronicle the opposition in Monroe County is not surprising. “It is based on the knowledge that a casino that pays few taxes and competes unfairly with other legitimate businesses in the community is bad for business and bad for Monroe County,” he said.
Seneca Gaming Corp., based in Niagara Falls, has announced a plan to be debt-free within five years by refinancing its current debt, which totals almost $379 million, according to the Buffalo News. The move could save $100 million in interest costs, which the Indians would use to pay down debt and improve its three existing properties.
“We are excited by the prospect of building upon our successes of the past 12 years, unfettered by the constraints of institutional debt,” said Cathy Walker, Seneca Gaming’s president and chief executive officer.
