Seneca Nation Puts Pressure on New York Governor to Renegotiate Gaming Compact

Seneca Nation is calling on New York Governor Kathy Hochul to negotiate a new gaming compact. During a press conference on Tuesday, senior member of the Seneca Nation Tribal Council Tina Abrams said: “It’s time for the state to complete fair negotiations with the Seneca,” adding that her people “do not survive on words.”

an exclusive right to offer casino gambling in much of Western New York

The tribe wants to renegotiate an expiring agreement that gives the Seneca Nation an exclusive right to offer casino gambling in much of Western New York. Seneca Nation has concerns about new facilities potentially popping up in the region as gambling continues to expand in the state. Legislation needs passage to kickstart negotiations.

The tribe doesn’t have the best relationship with Governor Hochul. She ordered the freezing of $554m in Seneca bank accounts last year as part of a long-running dispute over gambling revenues. She also vetoed legislation in 2022 that would add protections for tribal burial sites.

Another area of controversy is the governor’s relationship with Delaware North, a competitor of the tribe. Her husband works for them, which is why Governor Hochul recused herself from any negotiations involving the company.