Niagara Falls, N.Y. (WBEN) - A new gaming compact between the Seneca Nation of Indians and New York State could mean the end of millions of dollars in revenue sharing for three Western New York cities.
Under an agreement in principle announced by the Seneca Nation, the new compact would include no exclusivity and no revenue sharing for cities hosting their casinos.
That could have a significant impact on Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Salamanca, which receive revenue-sharing payments under the current compact — although that agreement has expired.
Niagara Falls Mayor Rob Restaino says the city currently receives between $11 million and $13 million a year through revenue sharing.
He says that amount used to be even higher — in the high $10s and low $20s in millions of dollars.
Restaino says the new agreement caught the city by surprise.
Buffalo Common Councilmember Mitch Nowakowski says losing the revenue would also be significant for Buffalo. He says, simply, it’s millions of dollars.
The agreement is not final. It still needs to be approved by the New York State Legislature
"This caught our city by surprise" - Niagara Falls Mayor Rob Restaino
"This caught our city by surprise" - Niagara Falls Mayor Rob Restaino
