Negotiations on state gaming compact between the Seneca tribe and lawmakers seem to have stalled because the tribe is in search of decrease funds to the state of New York.
The tribe operates three casinos in upstate New York and the Senecas’ compact with the state expired on the finish of 2023. Negotiations have dragged on and a few legislators not too long ago famous that has led to considerations about some important providers and neighborhood tasks within the Niagara Falls space which might be reliant on gaining funds.
“I think it is important that we make sure this is top of mind and that we get something done,” Sen. Minority Leader Rob Ortt not too long ago famous in a information convention. “That doesn’t mean you can’t adjust. I think everyone up here, they would take something over nothing.”
State Has Local Revenue Concerns
Along with Assemblyman Angelo Morinello, the 2 Republican legislators argued {that a} new income settlement must be accepted quickly. They pointed to providers and tasks like an area hospital, faculty district, housing authority well being heart, and others which might be reliant on these funds.
The gaming compact despatched 25% of slot machine income to the state, which in flip despatched a share of these to native municipalities, together with Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Salamanca. However, the tribe desires to scale back that share as a part of the brand new compact.
According to experiences, these negotiations have stalled.
The income sharing proposal is named 99-H and the laws has already been accepted within the state senate and awaits meeting approval. The plan has Niagara Falls holding 80% of its annual share of on line casino income when a brand new compact is finalized. Funds could be expanded for extra makes use of beneath the plan together with to boost financial growth, assist neighborhood revitalization, public well being and security, and infrastructure enchancment.
Niagara Falls acquired $7.6 million from the state in 2024 as an advance of on line casino income town would have acquired beneath the earlier compact. Niagara Falls Mayor Robert Restaino stated town depends on the funds for basic expenditures and is reluctant to debate modifications to income sharing.
“The money that we receive already has a destination,” Restaino instructed the Lockport Union-Sun and Journal. “Until we can completely wean off of casino funds in the general fund, that’s got to be entered into the conversation too.”
The tribe’s income discount request comes as New York strikes nearer to including three downstate casinos, which ought to add a big chunk to the state’s complete tax income.
Groups within the hunt for the downstate licenses have been releasing their plans not too long ago. There is a proposal for a resort close to the United Nations, within the Bronx, and subsequent to Citi Field.
New York legalized sports activities betting in 2022, however hasn’t handed on-line on line casino laws but. Sen. Joseph Addabbo, a pro-gambling advocate within the legislature, hinted that this might come as soon as the land-based casinos are finalized.
Guaranteeing the Seneca Tribe an internet on line casino license might be a straightforward negotiating tactic for native politicians.
