New York: Casino compact likely to see extension renewed

"Despite the rumors here in Albany that there's been progress, according to my sources at the Seneca Nation, there has been no progress," said State Sen. George Borrello (R) in an interview with WBEN.

In fact, Borrello says New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has backpedaled on some previously agreed to terms. He believes the automatic renewal of the extension at the end of June is incentivizing Hochul and the state to drag their feet on this deal.

Borrello says the state will not get 25% on video lottery terminal revenue this time around, because it has done so much to saturate the gaming market and create competition for the Senecas.

Negotiations have been going on for some two years now, and while Borrello believes the Senecas have negotiated in good faith, the state has not.

Borrello adds communities who were supposed to hit the jackpot with the compact are instead crapping out.

"I represent the Seneca Nation and I have many friends and others that I know on the Seneca Nation. Because of this extension of the Compact, the municipalities that rely on that funding from the Compact is sitting in escrow. So those small municipalities that I represent are not getting the payouts as a result of this deadlock," Borrello said.

Could the matter come up in special session? Borrello thinks there will, but only to "pass some dog whistle issues, to try to divert attention away from their failure of leadership." However, he feels that may also be an opportunity to pass a compact if the governor can come come to an agreement.

Borrello believes the state has no incentive to move forward until Washington, D.C. steps in.

"The federal government will have to finally say, 'We no longer consider you negotiating in good faith.' Therefore, the federal government, Department of the Interior, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs may very well step in and do something to try and force the hand of the governor," Borrello noted.

He anticipates that will happen sooner rather than later.

Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong issued the following statement with WBEN:

"The State Legislature is preparing to close the legislative session and leave Albany, again, without a new Compact agreement between the Seneca Nation and New York State. We are essentially two years into Compact discussions with the State, and now six months into our extension agreement with Gov. Hochul. The extension is set to renew at the end of June as our negotiations with Gov. Hochul and her representatives continue.

"The pace and progress of the process so far, while detailed and deliberate, have been painstaking, frustrating, and disappointing at times. Regardless, we will continue to focus on and work toward a fair new Compact that adequately addresses our rights and concerns in the context of today's growing and changing gaming market. That has been our priority from Day 1.

"The Seneca Nation has been clear in our negotiations for two years that a fair new Compact is critical for the Seneca Nation and for Western New York. Thousands of people, workers, and businesses, as well as local communities in Western New York, depend on our gaming enterprises. Now that the distractions of another budget season and another Legislative session have come and gone, we hope the State will fully commit to accelerating the pace of negotiations until we have reached a fair agreement on all Compact terms."