As numerous gaming entities and other corporations continue jockeying for possible New York City casino opportunities, it appears the Empire State may be seeing another. Media reports from the state are hinting that Gov. Kathy Hochull (D) could be working with the Seneca tribe to bring a casino to the Rochester area.
The tribe already operates three casinos in Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and in the Allegheny Mountains near the New York/Pennsylvania border. The group also operates the Hickory Stick golf course in Lewiston. Adding a Rocheater property would expand that tribal gaming footprint even more, but details remain to be worked out. So far, the negotiations have also faced significant opposition.
“Few specifics are presently available but lines are already being drawn among supporters, who see it as an economic boon, and opponents, who contend the economic returns are overstated and that it will feed gambling addiction,” the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle reported on Monday.
More Details on a Possible Rochester Casino
The Senecas are a gaming force in New York. News of the negotiations come after the state Senate passed a bill allowing the governor to negotiate a new gaming compact with the tribe, which expires in December.
New negotiations could include a Rochester property as part of any final deal, according to media reports. The city’s metropolitan area offers a big market with a population of more than 1 million.
“The Senecas have long eyed Rochester and Monroe County as a way to expand in Western New York,” Politico notes. “But its efforts never have come to fruition, and it didn’t bid on an open parcel of land in the heart of the city in 2016.”
Not all state officials were pleased with how the vote played out and would prefer that others remain involved in the process beyond just the governor. Opponents argued that simply having the governor negotiate limited public input in the process.
“I have concerns with the announced deal between New York State and the Seneca Nation,” Sen. Jeremy Cooney (D) said. “As a state senator, I did not feel comfortable voting in favor of legislation that removes state lawmakers from their oversight responsibilities and limits input from the public. I voted no.
“Before a state compact is made with the Seneca Nation, I believe there needs to be an opportunity for public comment and demonstrated partnership with local governments, including the City of Rochester.”
Issue Moves to State Assembly, Faces Criticism
The legislation now heads to the state Assembly, but may face some obstacles. Some members were surprised to learn of the Rochester casino issue. State Assembly member Harry Bronson (D), of Rochester, has said he was shut out of information on any possible negotiations regarding the Senecas and a Rochester property.
“Certainly I would want local officials to be part of that discussion as well as our families that live in the city and surrounding area,” he told the Democrat and Chronicle.
Other Rochester area officials seemed in the dark concerning any negotiations with a possible casino in their backyard. Many expressed frustration with how the issue is playing out so far.
“A matter as significant as the placement of a casino in Rochester should be discussed out in the open, in conversations that include members of our state delegation and local officials,” Monroe County Executive Adam Bello said in a statement Monday. “It’s deeply troubling that this community has now been placed in this position of debating an issue without knowing the full details of what has been negotiated.”
Mayor Malik Evans also expressed concern with how the governor was proceeding with the process. All Rochester City Council members also signed a letter to Hochul urging negotiations involving a casino in the city to stop.
“Any conversation of this magnitude that does not include local stakeholders is unacceptable,” Evans said. “There are already numerous casinos in the Rochester area. My focus remains on meaningful opportunities that create a vibrant Rochester economy focused on the jobs of the 21st century.”
The Senecas and the governor must have a law in place to officially negotiate a new 20-year compact. The tribe announced last week that it had an “agreement in principle” with the state. The bill’s passage would allow the tribe to finish those negotiations.
It’s important to note that the legislation doesn’t specifically make note of possible Seneca Rochester property. However, media reports from the area note that many insiders believe Hochul’s office would be authorized to discuss the issue during compact negotiations.
The bill now appears to be paused, at least temporarily. The Assembly adjourned its session over the weekend, but is expected to return by the end of the month and consider more legislation. Legislation to get online casinos to New York is still on pause as well.
