Uncertainty looms over whether New York State and the Seneca Nation have finalized an 'agreement in principle' regarding a new gaming compact, as state officials challenge this assertion.
On Thursday, J.C. Seneca, President of the Seneca Nation, announced that an agreement had been established, with plans to present it to the state legislature in the upcoming spring.
However, contrasting information was provided by Rob Ortt, the New York Senate Minority Leader and a Republican from Niagara County. He disclosed that last month, the Governor’s Office reached out to select elected officials to inform them of a potential deal or at least a framework for one, although he was not included in these discussions.
Ortt stated, “I know for a fact the Governor's Office contacted certain elected leaders — myself not included — last month to inform them that there was a deal or at least a framework. But I haven’t heard anything since then.”
He further noted, “Now the Seneca Nation claims there’s an agreement in principle, whatever that entails, but the Governor’s Office insists that it is too early to discuss any such agreement.”
A spokesperson for the Governor confirmed that while there have been “productive discussions” regarding a new compact, no formal agreement exists at this time, deeming public discussions about it as “premature.”
Additionally, J.C. Seneca mentioned that state negotiators had turned down proposals for ongoing slot-machine revenue-sharing arrangements for Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Salamanca.
This issue could have serious financial implications for Niagara Falls, with Mayor Robert Restiano indicating that the city could face a budget shortfall of $11 million to $13 million if revenue sharing is not included. He is currently working on a new budget set to be presented on November 1.
Restiano expressed his concerns, stating, “I need more clarity on the accuracy of what has been reported. What is actually going to happen? Has an agreement been reached? I can honestly say I have not been informed that this has occurred.”
He added, “Considering the city’s budget is just over $100 million and that this revenue represents nearly 10 percent of it — or close to that — we are looking at a significant gap to fill.”
Ortt remarked on the lack of information, saying, “This has continued with almost no updates, and now we are receiving conflicting reports.”
He concluded, “The essence of the compact was exclusivity and compensation; if there is neither, it suggests that we may not have an agreement at all.”