The language, in a bill that would authorize the Seneca Nation to enter into a gaming compact, might also force three racinos to close their gaming operations.
According to the Buffalo News, wording in the bill is broad, stating that going forward the Seneca Nation would have an “exclusive right to conduct gaming” within the boundaries negotiated in the 2002 agreement with New York State. The compact, which runs out this year, gives the Nation exclusive rights to slot machines in all of New York west of Routed 14.
The bill has raised concerns that if approved as written it would force the racinos to close. Three racinos, Finger Lakes Gaming and Racetrack in Farmington, Hamburg Gaming, and Batavia Downs operate in Western New York.
The Seneca Nation has been pressing hard for the state legislature to pass the bill, but time is running out as this is the last week of the session.
