Summary:
- Negotiations have not been favorable, according to the tribal president.
- Proposals are reportedly ‘absurd and an insult.’
- Seneca leaders are committed to reaching a fair and just agreement.
The Seneca Nation is a tribal group located in New York State that offers casino gaming services. The tribe is in the process of renegotiating its compact with the state, and reportedly, the process is not going well.
Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Sr. said in a recent update to the tribe that the negotiations are unfavorable and considered ‘absurd and an insult to the Seneca Nation.’ The situation is not going as planned for the tribe or the state.
Committed to a Fair and Just Agreement
The Seneca Nation leaders are committed to signing a fair and just agreement with the state. After months of negotiations, the tribe agreed in principle with NY officials. A new 20-year casino gaming compact was agreed upon in June. The existing compact was signed in 2002 and will expire on December 2009, 2023.
According to Armstrong, the state negotiators offered and agreed to an important provision requested by the tribe. However, the state Assembly refused to move forward with legislation that is required for the compact to reach the governor and Department of the Interior.
Assembly members were unhappy with a provision that could create a new casino in Rochester, New York. Employees at the Del Lago Resort, located near the gaming exclusivity area of the Seneca, also stated their opposition.
Continued Discussions for Now
Due to the action of the Assembly, the state negotiators and Seneca Nation must continue with compact discussions. It may be some time before a new agreement is reached, or a push may be made to keep the compact as-is.
Reports indicate that Seneca officials are discussing with community leaders in several areas of the state. The discussions were conducted to gather endorsements for an equitable agreement. Support was reportedly provided to the tribe.
The state Assembly completed the 2023 legislative session in June and could not find a solution for the gaming compact renewal of the tribe. Lawmakers will only authorize a new compact if the Senate approved it earlier in the month.
Armstong has reported that as the discussions continue with negotiators, there is alignment concerning most aspects of the deal. The unresolved issue is fair exclusivity for the tribe. We shall see in the coming weeks how the discussions fair and if the tribe will be able to get a new compact agreement and maintain its current status as gaming providers.
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