New York and Racino Casinos Team Up for Seneca Fair Accord
Date: 2023-10-12 Author: Kirill Zagoruyko Categories: CASINO, EVENTS
The gaming agreement between New York State and the Seneca Nation, a leading employer offering jobs to thousands of New York residents, expires on December 9, 2023. With time running out and about two months left until the contract expires, intense negotiations continue. While the Seneca Nation wants to reach a fair treaty and protect its future, other industry stakeholders are also watching the process.
A coalition formed by non-local racinos and casinos, as well as labor unions, will also want to be involved in discussions regarding a new gaming agreement with the Seneca Nation, Spectrum News 1 announced. The Fair Compact for All coalition reportedly includes representatives from del Lago Resort and Casino, Hamburg Gaming, Batavia Downs and Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack. Unions including the Horsemen's Benevolent Protective Association and Rochester Workers United, which represents employees at these gaming establishments, have also pledged support for the coalition.
The ultimate goal of the coalition is to ensure a fair gaming treaty is signed that does not negatively impact the commercial racing and gaming sector. While the coalition would like to have its voice heard during the agreement negotiations, signing a gaming agreement is a lengthy process. The gaming agreement would require approval from the State of New York, as well as the green light through a vote in a Seneca Nation citizen referendum. State lawmakers would also need to pass a bill authorizing the new gaming compact, and the U.S. Department of the Interior would also have to give approval.
The coalition will not tolerate non-transparent deals
The coalition has confirmed that it employs approximately 3,500 New Yorkers. Moreover, the company said that the gambling operators it represents pay about $180 million in gambling taxes annually.
Chris Riegle, President and General Manager of Finger Lakes Gaming, spoke about the importance of transparency to the new gaming agreement. “We welcome competition, but we cannot compete without a level playing field. We look forward to working with our coalition members, local elected officials and representatives in Albany to ensure a truly fair deal for everyone,” he added.
"We cannot and will not tolerate any deals in the middle of the night that lack transparency, public input and data-driven economic analysis." Chris Riegle, President and General Manager of Finger Lakes Gaming
The newly formed coalition follows a tentative agreement that was reached between the Seneca Nation and the state back in June. At the time, coalition officials expressed concern following reports that the Seneca Nation might be considering expanding its activities. However, the aforementioned agreement never saw the light of day after strong opposition from legislators in Rochester.
A coalition formed by non-local racinos and casinos, as well as labor unions, will also want to be involved in discussions regarding a new gaming agreement with the Seneca Nation, Spectrum News 1 announced. The Fair Compact for All coalition reportedly includes representatives from del Lago Resort and Casino, Hamburg Gaming, Batavia Downs and Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack. Unions including the Horsemen's Benevolent Protective Association and Rochester Workers United, which represents employees at these gaming establishments, have also pledged support for the coalition.
The ultimate goal of the coalition is to ensure a fair gaming treaty is signed that does not negatively impact the commercial racing and gaming sector. While the coalition would like to have its voice heard during the agreement negotiations, signing a gaming agreement is a lengthy process. The gaming agreement would require approval from the State of New York, as well as the green light through a vote in a Seneca Nation citizen referendum. State lawmakers would also need to pass a bill authorizing the new gaming compact, and the U.S. Department of the Interior would also have to give approval.
The coalition will not tolerate non-transparent deals
The coalition has confirmed that it employs approximately 3,500 New Yorkers. Moreover, the company said that the gambling operators it represents pay about $180 million in gambling taxes annually.
Chris Riegle, President and General Manager of Finger Lakes Gaming, spoke about the importance of transparency to the new gaming agreement. “We welcome competition, but we cannot compete without a level playing field. We look forward to working with our coalition members, local elected officials and representatives in Albany to ensure a truly fair deal for everyone,” he added.
"We cannot and will not tolerate any deals in the middle of the night that lack transparency, public input and data-driven economic analysis." Chris Riegle, President and General Manager of Finger Lakes Gaming
The newly formed coalition follows a tentative agreement that was reached between the Seneca Nation and the state back in June. At the time, coalition officials expressed concern following reports that the Seneca Nation might be considering expanding its activities. However, the aforementioned agreement never saw the light of day after strong opposition from legislators in Rochester.
