In a recent interview with WGRZ News, Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong Sr. expressed his frustration with the lack of progress in negotiations with the state over the tribe’s casino compact. Armstrong stated that he was “a little bit disappointed” in the slow pace of the talks, which have been ongoing for several months.
The Seneca Nation, which operates three casinos in western New York, has been in a dispute with the state over revenue sharing payments. Under the terms of the original compact signed in 2002, the tribe agreed to share a portion of its casino revenue with the state in exchange for exclusive gaming rights in their territory. However, the tribe stopped making payments in 2017, arguing that the compact had expired after 14 years.
The state responded by withholding revenue sharing payments from the Seneca Nation’s casinos, leading to a legal battle that has been ongoing for several years. In the meantime, the tribe has continued to operate its casinos without making payments to the state, leading to mounting tensions between the two parties.
Armstrong expressed his hope that a resolution could be reached soon, but acknowledged that the negotiations have been challenging. He pointed out that the state has been unwilling to budge on its stance, despite the tribe’s efforts to find a compromise.
“We’re trying to work with them, but it’s been a little bit of a difficult process,” Armstrong said. “We’re a little bit disappointed in the progress that we’ve made so far.”
Despite the setbacks, Armstrong remains optimistic that a resolution can be reached that is mutually beneficial for both the tribe and the state. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive relationship with the state, while also standing firm on the tribe’s rights and sovereignty.
“We want to have a good working relationship with the state, but we also want to make sure that our rights are respected and protected,” Armstrong said. “We’re hopeful that we can find a resolution that works for both sides.”
The Seneca Nation has been a key player in the gaming industry in western New York for nearly two decades, and the outcome of the casino compact negotiations will have significant implications for both the tribe and the state. As the talks continue, all parties involved will need to find common ground in order to move forward and resolve the long-standing dispute.
