An extension to the gaming compact, which was due to expire December 9, between the state of New York and the Seneca Nation has been agreed by state Governor Kathy Hochul and Tribal President Rickey Armstrong.
The compact authorizes the continued operation of casinos and gaming within Erie and Niagara counties, as well as on the Seneca Nation reservation in Salamanca, New York.
The compact now extends to March 31 2024, but will automatically renew unless either Hochul or the Seneca Nation choose to negotiate and reach a new gaming agreement, or one of the parties chooses not to renew this agreement as it stands. Negotiations of a long-term compact are still on the table, with both the state and the Tribe agreeing to continue meeting this month.
Armstrong said in a joint statement, “Under the extension, our three gaming properties will continue to operate without interruption, alleviating any concerns about potential impacts for our thousands of casino employees, which was a priority for the Nation.”
The Tribe began its quest for a re-negotiated compact over a year ago. In May this year, the Seneca Nation began to organize community events to receive support in ongoing negotiations this year.
In August, Governor Hochul’s husband left commercial casino operator Delaware North, which some said presented a “conflict of interest” when it came to Hochul’s ability to negotiate with Tribal operators. However, later that month Armstrong said the conflict actually lay with the “true intent of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.”
Hochul’s recent statement said, “There is important momentum for negotiations around the compact. I remain committed to working with President Armstrong and the Seneca Nation in finalizing an agreement that is fair to all parties, and I look forward to more conversations in the coming weeks and months as we continue to meet."
