By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The Seneca Nation of Indians voted Monday night to withhold future casino payments to New York State.
The Senecas Tribal Council issued its decision claiming the state has violated terms of the 2001 Gaming Compact which allowed the Nation to establish Class III casinos.
The Nation's Seneca Gaming Corporation has paid the State $707.2 million in so-called 'slot fees' as dictated by the Compact, including $58.2 million that was paid in 2009. It's most recent payment covering January -June period totaled $32 million.
"The action the council took tonight reflects our concern over several activities that seem to mirror our Class III facilities," said Seneca Nation of Indians Tribal Council Co-Chair and Sponsor of the Resolution, J.C. Seneca.
The Senecas noted that the state authorized casino-like operations in Hamburg, Batavia and the Finger Lakes.
"We have run out of patience. We are tired of the ongoing process of the State violating more of our treaty rights, our sovereign rights and the gaming compact," said Seneca.
