New York State Senator George Borrello has urged Governor Kathy Hochul to meet with Seneca Nation of Indians President Rickey Armstrong Sr. “as soon as possible” to negotiate a new gaming compact before the current agreement expires on December 9.
Borrello, in a statement, said he sent a letter to the Governor on September 20, urging her to start negotiations before time ran out. He further noted that, since then, an additional month has transpired with no action taken.
“The clock is ticking on the expiration of the current compact with just 52 days left. As the only New York State official who can approve a gaming compact between the state and the Seneca Nation, it’s imperative that Gov. Hochul agree to a meeting with President Armstrong,” Borrello said.
New York Gov. Kathy Hochul
His statement comes days after non-native casinos and racinos in the Finger Lakes and Western New York regions, along with the unions representing their employees, formed the Fair Compact for All Coalition. Their objective is to have a say in the ongoing negotiations for a new gaming compact between the state and the Seneca Nation of Indians.
The coalition comprises representatives from del Lago Resort and Casino, Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack, Hamburg Gaming, and Batavia Downs. Their core concern is ensuring that any forthcoming Seneca gaming compact takes into account the future of their operations and the communities that have grown reliant on their success.
“President Armstrong has repeatedly asked the governor to sit down with him and negotiate an agreement in good faith that is fair and addresses the needs of all parties, yet she continues to avoid the bargaining table,” Borrello added.
Seneca Nation of Indians President Rickey Armstrong Sr.
Earlier, Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Sr. had alleged that the progress in these negotiations had not been favorable. He criticized the proposals put forth by state negotiators, labeling them as “absurd and an insult to the Seneca Nation.”
Borrello noted that any agreement would need to be approved by the state Legislature and the people of the Seneca Nation before it can be sent to the Federal Department of Interior for review and final approval.
“This agreement is essential for the economic well-being of Western New York. The Seneca Nation’s casinos have a $1 billion annual impact on our economy. The livelihoods of tens of thousands of individuals, businesses and families across Western New York depend upon a new compact. The future of those New Yorkers is hanging in the balance,” Borrello said.
Borrello’s district encompasses both the Allegany and Cattaraugus territories of the Seneca Nation of Indians.
“The Seneca Nation territories and its residents are within the 57th Senate District, so this issue is a priority for me. Seneca Nation members and businesses are a significant part of our lives and culture, and I am proud to represent them in the State Senate,” he said. “Their world-class gaming facilities and resorts are an important part of the hospitality and tourism economy of Western New York. The people of the Seneca Nation deserve a fair and equitable compact.”
The original Seneca Nation Compact was authorized in 2002. The agreement cleared the way for the development of three Seneca casinos in Western New York. Terms of the compact included the Seneca Nation paying 25 percent, approximately $100 million per year, of the slot and video lottery machine revenue from the casinos to the state, with a portion of that money directed to each casino’s host city. In return, the compact granted the Seneca Nation exclusive rights to operate Class III casinos in Western New York.
