- The casino would be part of a new gaming compact.
- The private talks came as a shock to Rochester leaders.
- The Senate passed a bill concerning the new compact but failed in the Assembly.
The Seneca Nation of Indians currently offers casino gaming in the state of New York based on a gaming compact.
News broke this week that the tribe is currently negotiating with the Hochul administration to try and create a casino in Rochester. A new gaming compact is in the works that could see a new gaming venue added to the downtown area.
Private Talks Shock Local Leaders
Rochester officials were shocked to learn that private casino talks were taking place between the Seneca Nation and the governor. The information came to light as the Legislature considered a measure allowing the governor to sign a new compact with the tribe.
The measure passed within the Senate, but the Assembly was not in approval. Some local officials are concerned that a casino in Rochester will negatively affect other venues and the local area. A major concern is connected to the del Lago Casino. Located in Finger Lakes, the casino has around 1,000 union jobs and provides revenues to the state.
Assemblyman Harry Bronson spoke out after learning about the discussions, stating that he is concerned and feels that it is something that should be seriously discussed in a transparent way. Bronson feels that the locals should have a say in whether or not a casino comes to Rochester. The Hochul camp has yet to respond on the matter.
Looking to Expand in Western New York
The Senecas have wanted to expand into the western portion of the state for quite some time and see Rochester as the best way to do so. Now, the tribe is pushing for a new compact, since theirs ends with the state at the end of 2023. A new law is required to allow the governor to sign a new compact, one that would last for twenty years.
So far, the bill to do so has failed. The Assembly will most likely require more information from the tribe and governor before moving forward. Members of the Assembly will be back in a few weeks and the topic may be discussed again.
The Senecas have stated that an agreement in principle has been made but details of the agreement have not been revealed. The tribe has tried to get the Assembly to approve the measure but were unable to gain enough support.
The tribe says a new compact represents an opportunity for new and continued jobs that are vital to the area. The goal of the Seneca Nation is to create more jobs for the region, including union options.
Will New York add yet another casino? If the Assembly can get on board, we may see legislation pass into law that will allow for the negotiation of a brand new compact. It will be interesting to see how this plays out and if the tribe will be successful in creating a new casino in the western portion of the state.
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