Several community members, entrepreneurs, politicians, and gaming representatives from Western New York and Finger Lakes recently united to form The Fair Compact for All coalition. They intend to enhance equity and transparency in Seneca Nation’s gaming compact with New York.
The coalition stated that the new compact will protect jobs, and increase residents’ financial stability. Also, it will promote fairness in the Western New York and Finger Lakes areas. The Horsemen’s Benevolent and Protective Association’s Executive Director, Austin Reed, posted a statement on their website.
He stated that their members work throughout the year since their horses require daily care. Besides working for the community, they reside in Finger Lakes and pay taxes there. Therefore, they should get a fair Seneca gaming negotiation that will protect their jobs.
Seneca Nation’s existing gaming agreement is almost expiring. It influenced the coalition’s formation on October 11 to consider all parties. The Native Tribe formed the 20-year compact with New York in 2002, and it will end on December 9, 2023.
Gaming Operators Boost New York and Finger Lakes’s Economy
The two regions’ casino operators include Batavia Downs Gaming, Del Lago Resort & Casino, Hamburg Gaming, and Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack. They have contracted more than 3,500 New Yorkers, most of whom are in various labor unions.
Yet, the gaming facilities earn the state significant gaming revenue, exceeding Seneca Nation’s profits by $180 million. So, they have a community and economic impact in those areas.
Del Lago Resort & Casino’s General Manager and Vice President, Lance Young, stated that their casino is Seneca County’s biggest employer. It has over 1,500 indirect and direct jobs. Moreover, the property’s annual goods and services sales surpassed $200 million in 2020.
Young added that they are gradually resuming certain operations. He believes that a transparent Seneca gaming deal will acknowledge their contributions’ importance and enable them to continue helping the community for a long period. The coalition’s members fund education and offer donations to the community’s nonprofit organizations.
The Fair Compact for All coalition opposed the proposed Seneca Rochester casino in Monroe County in June 2023. They stated that the introduction of another tribal casino would saturate the region’s gaming market and reduce existing casinos’ benefits.
Increased Unfair Competition in the Region
Finger Lakes Gaming & Racetrack’s General Manager and President, Chris Riegle, stated that they won’t accept shoddy agreements lacking public participation, detailed economic analysis, and transparency. He added that they want to compete on fair grounds. They are eager to partner with coalition members, Albany representatives, and leaders to form a fair gaming deal.
Batavia Downs Gaming’s CEO and President stated that unfair competition will impact their workers’ welfare and prevent them from reaching their objectives. Gary Bonadonna Jr., Rochester Regional Joint Board/Workers United’s Manager, said that tourism-related labor earns Finger Lakes $1.8 billion in income.
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