Salamanca, N.Y. (WBEN) - In a development that will end a years long legal battle between the Seneca Nation and New York State, the nation has signed an agreement with the state to begin discussions on a gaming compact, aimed at fortifying the long-term operations of the Nation’s three Western New York casino properties.
. “Our highest priority, as always, is creating the strongest possible future for the Seneca Nation today and for generations to come," stated Seneca Nation President Matthew Pagels. . A Compact agreement, bolstered by greater federal scrutiny as a result of our efforts over the past four years, can ensure greater equity for the Nation, long-term stability for our gaming operations, and continued progress for the Seneca people.”
As part of the agreement, which concludes an extended legal dispute, the Nation will realize more than $40 million in disputed fees and cost savings over the remaining life of the current Compact, which expires in December 2023. The Nation will also remit to New York State Compact Revenue Share payments, which have been held in escrow throughout the dispute. The Nation will then resume quarterly revenue share payments, as stated in the Compact. New York State returns a percentage of those payments to the communities of Niagara Falls, Salamanca and Buffalo, where the Nation’s casinos are located.
“Rather than pursue continued legal action, we believe we can now best address our concerns in a Compact with greater clarity on our obligations, and, as important, the obligations New York State has to the Nation in return,” President Pagels said.
Under the current compact the Seneca Nation has delivered more than $1.4 billion in revenue share payments to Albany and the casinos employ approximately 3,000 workers.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul released the following statement on the agreement: "I am pleased to have reached an agreement for the resumption of payments on terms that serve both the State and the Nation and that benefit Western New York communities, and I look forward to beginning discussions toward a new compact."