In a significant development following months of negotiations, the Seneca Nation has successfully secured an agreement in principle with New York State for a new 20-year casino gaming compact. The current compact, initially signed in 2002, is set to expire on December 9. This monumental breakthrough is poised to have a far-reaching impact on the future of the Seneca Nation and the Western New York region.
Historical Background: Seneca Nation’s Journey
The original Seneca Nation Compact, authorized in 2002, marked a pivotal moment in the history of the Seneca Nation and Western New York. It paved the way for the establishment of three Seneca casinos in the region, including the Seneca Niagara Casino in 2002, the Salamanca location in 2004, and the Buffalo location in 2007. This compact, forged two decades ago, had significant terms, including the Seneca Nation’s commitment to paying 25 percent of slot and video lottery machine revenues to the state, which amounted to approximately $100 million annually. A portion of these funds was directed to each casino’s host city. In return, the compact granted the Nation exclusive rights to operate Class III casinos in Western New York.
Current Developments: A New 20-Year Compact
The recent negotiations between the Seneca Nation and New York State have culminated in the agreement in principle for a new 20-year casino gaming compact. This pivotal moment represents a continuation of the journey that began in 2002. The specifics of this compact are yet to be finalized but will be revealed in the coming days.
Seneca Nation president Rickey Armstrong Sr emphasized the critical nature of securing a fair compact for the Nation’s future and the well-being of Western New York. He stated, “We made it clear that we would not settle for anything less.” The negotiation process was intensive, with both parties focused on securing a deal that not only sustains the Nation’s gaming operations but also ensures crucial funding for essential services and substantial job creation and economic benefits for the Western New York region.
Approval Process and Key Stakeholders
While the agreement in principle has been reached, several crucial steps lie ahead to formalize the new compact. The Department of the Interior must provide its approval, as does the Seneca Nation at large. Additionally, the state legislature must draft and pass a bill supporting this agreement. It’s worth noting that Governor Kathy Hochul, despite recusing herself from negotiations due to her husband’s affiliation with Seneca gaming competitor Delaware North, ultimately holds the authority to approve the compact. This multi-layered approval process underscores the significance of the new compact.
Implications and Vision for the Future
Seneca Nation president Rickey Armstrong Sr shared his vision for the future, saying, “We are committing ourselves to getting this new compact in place so that we can continue to transform life for the Seneca people and the economy in Western New York for generations to come.” This sentiment reflects the long-term goals and ambitions of the Seneca Nation, which seeks to ensure the well-being and prosperity of its people and the entire Western New York region.
The new 20-year casino gaming compact is not merely a legal agreement but a testament to the evolving relationship between the Seneca Nation and the state of New York. It represents the mutual recognition of the significant contributions made by the Nation’s casinos to the regional economy and the provision of vital services to its people.
The Seneca Nation’s achievement in securing a new 20-year casino gaming compact with New York State is a testament to their commitment to their people and the Western New York region. This article has explored the historical background of the original compact signed in 2002, the recent developments, the approval process, and the vision for the future. As the details of the new compact are finalized in the days to come, it is clear that this agreement holds the potential to shape the trajectory of the Seneca Nation and the Western New York region for years to come.