A series of quarterly extensions between the Seneca Nation of Indians and the state of New York has allowed upstate New York casinos to continue unfettered. However, an updated compact is what the tribal nation seeks but negotiations with the governor have failed to consummate a new agreement on gambling in NY.
Lawmaker Wants Pact
Assemblyman Joseph Giglio has been calling for the governor to come to an agreement with the Seneca Nation of Indians on a new compact that will eliminate the need for extensions every three months to keep their three upstate casinos in operation. Those casinos include the Seneca Allegany Casino, Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino, and Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel.
The old compact expired in December 2023 which has necessitated this third quarterly extension to keep those casinos compliant with New York law. This most recent extension has raised concerns from several quarters as to why an updated compact has yet to be signed.
Although Seneca leaders are eager to come to the table with New York Governor Kathy Hochul and sign a new compact, the timing has not been right for the governor, but the issue is slowly rising to the top of the political agenda.
“We are on track to enter our third three-month extension,” Assemblyman Giglio said.
“I’ve spoken with Seneca Nation Council members who told me every time they think they have a deal, something happens that derails the talks. A new gaming compact is vital to our regional economy across Western New York,” added Giglio.
What Happens Now?
It should be noted that Governor Hochul and majority leaders of both the Assembly and Senate could not reach an agreement on a new compact with the Seneca Tribe last session. The support of all three and the US Department of the Interior’s Bureau of Indian Affairs is imperative to getting the deal done but a special session this summer is being contemplated by Governor Hochul and one of the topics would likely be an updated compact with the Seneca.
Should the governor negotiate an agreement with Seneca’s tribal leaders, the earliest it would go into effect is early next year when the legislature reconvenes, assuming a vote was not taken if, and when, a special session occurs this July or August. Therefore, both sides will have ample opportunity to discuss a new pact and one that would hopefully pass muster with the legislature.
Economic Impact
It has been reported that the Seneca Nation casinos inject an estimated $1 billion into the Western New York economy and those operations employ roughly 6000 people, many of whom are non-Native American workers from surrounding communities. Therefore, the livelihoods of those casino employees and the economic impact in those communities are at stake, as well as the financial welfare of the Seneca Nation.
“It’s time for executive branch negotiating team to come back to the table and negotiate a deal in good faith with the Seneca Nation for the benefit of everyone in Western New York, native and non-native,” Giglio said.
Continuing Challenges
Seneca Nation President Ricky Armstrong Jr. and Governor Hochul agreed to these quarterly extensions after a new compact could not be reached in December. The caveat is that both parties must be willing to do so and so far, both have.
“The pace and progress of the process so far, while detailed and deliberate, have been painstaking, frustrating, and disappointing at times. Regardless, we will continue to focus on and work toward a fair new Compact that adequately addresses our rights and concerns in the context of today’s growing and changing gaming market. That has been our priority from day one,” said Armstrong in a statement.
