Seneca Nation Claims Compact Deal; New York Disputes

The Seneca Nation says it has reached an agreement in principle with New York on a new gaming compact, but Gov. Kathy Hochul’s office says negotiations are ongoing and no agreement has been reached. Seneca Nation President J. Conrad Seneca says the proposed framework would end the revenue-sharing payments the tribe has made under the prior compact, which expired in 2023, and could be sent to the state Legislature in the spring. The Nation says it sought market protections and other benefits in exchange for sharing revenue; state lawmakers have questioned whether a framework without settled terms on revenue sharing and exclusivity amounts to a deal. The dispute has raised concerns in Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Salamanca, which receive casino-related payments; Niagara Falls’ mayor said the city could face an $11 million to $13 million budget shortfall if payments stop. A state lawmaker said the governor’s office had previously told some elected officials a deal or framework existed, adding to uncertainty over what was negotiated.