Summary
- Governor Kathy Hochul and the Seneca Nation are reportedly cutting a new casino deal.
- The news came as a surprise to officials in Rochester.
- Other gaming operators say a new venue will threaten their operations.
Just this week, it was revealed that the Seneca Nation and Governor Kathy Hochul’s administration are working on a new compact deal. The existing compact will end this year. As part of the discussions, the tribe is reportedly trying to add a casino to Rochester. This has come as a shock to the city and other gaming operators are worried that a new casino will put them out of business.
Batavia Downs Representative Speaks Out
Western Regional Off-Track Betting CEO & President Henry Wojtaszek (pictured) spoke out after the news broke, stating that the scheme by the Senecas and government officials to bring a ‘stealth casino’ to Rochester is a non-starter for many. Residents, elected officials, and community leaders are not in favor of the idea.
Wojtaszek pointed out that many of the jobs at Batavia Downs would be at risk if a casino opened in Rochester. There are currently over 400 employees in the venue. Millions of dollars in revenues would also be at risk, and 15 counties and cities would be without assistance or see a dramatic decrease in monetary help.
The President stated that already, there are ten gaming facilities within 100 miles in any direction from Batavia Downs. This is saturation and another casino will only add to the excess. According to the official, Batavia Downs, Hamburg Gaming, and Finger Lakes Gaming provided $140 million in taxes to the state in 2022. This amount would be decreased significantly if a new casino were to appear in the area.
Wojtaszek stated further that the amount of the three venues is more than what the Seneca Nation provided to the state. What would the point be to add another gaming facility in the area? The gaming official feels that no such decision should be made until public input is provided and an economic impact analysis is conducted.
Quiet Negotiations Ire State Officials
Gaming operators are not the only ones upset with the secret plans to create a Rochester casino. State officials have spoken out about the secrecy and are calling for transparency. State Senator Pam Helming said that any discussion for a new casino in New York should involve everyone, not just stakeholders and local officials.
Helming feels that other gaming venues in the area should be in the discussion along with the local counties. Anyone that a casino would affect, negatively or positively, should be brought into the conversation.
So far, a measure that would allow the governor and the Seneca Nation to negotiate a new compact has stalled in the Assembly. It appears as though Assembly members are not ready to give the green light until they know more about the conversations being had between the tribe and the governor’s office.
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