“A new gaming compact is vital to our regional economy across Western New York”
From the office of Assemblyman Giglio,
ALBANY – Assemblyman Joseph M. Giglio (R,C-Gowanda) said he’s disappointed Gov. Kathy Hochul and leaders of the majority in the Assembly and Senate didn’t finalize a new gaming compact with the Seneca Nation of Indians before the close of the 2024 Legislative Session.
“We are on track to enter our third three-month extension. I’ve spoken with Seneca Nation Council members who told me every time they think they have a deal, something happens that derails the talks,” Giglio said. “A new gaming compact is vital to our regional economy across Western New York.”
On December 1, eight days before the compact negotiated in 2002 was set to expire, Seneca Nation President Ricky Armstrong Jr. and Gov. Hochul agreed to extend the compact automatically every quarter until a new deal is struck. June 30 will end the current quarterly extension.
President Armstrong said in a statement that the pace and progress of the negotiations, while detailed and deliberate, “has been painstaking, frustrating and disappointing at times” while pledging to work toward a fair gaming compact that addresses the Nation’s and State’s needs considering the current gaming environment in New York.
Seneca Nation casinos contribute $1 billion per year to the Western New York economy. Seneca Nation Hospitality is also one of Western New York’s largest employers, with more than 6,000 people on their payroll, most of them non-native.
“It’s time for executive branch negotiating team to come back to the table and negotiate a deal in good faith with the Seneca Nation for the benefit of everyone in Western New York, native and non-native,” Giglio said.
The success of Seneca resorts, casinos and restaurants contributed to a resurgence of development and growth in Niagara Falls, Buffalo and Salamanca. Restaurant and hospitality suppliers and other non-native companies that do business with the Seneca Nation have prospered as Seneca Gaming and Resorts grew over the last 22 years.
The Compact is also essential to casino host communities. Salamanca, Buffalo and Niagara Falls all receive a portion of the casino revenue sent to New York State. The revenue-sharing helps defray the cost of public services, including police and fire protection.
The original compact that opened gaming at Seneca-owned casinos was reached between the Seneca Nation and New York State in 2002. In return for exclusive gaming rights, the Seneca Nation agreed to give 25% of all slot machine revenue to New York State, estimated at $100 million annually. In the 22 years since that deal was reach, New York State has allowed other casinos, eroding the Seneca Nation’s gaming exclusivity. However, the full 25% slot revenue was included in the 2024-25 Executive Budget.
Giglio said there is a chance he and his fellow legislators will be called back for an extraordinary session this summer, opening an opportunity for the opportunity to vote on a new gaming compact.
“I’m proud to represent members of the sovereign Seneca Nation of Indians in the Assembly. Every day, Seneca Nation members and Seneca Nation businesses make vital cultural and economic contributions to our community,” Giglio said. “I urge Gov. Hochul and her team to sit down with President Armstrong and Seneca Nation leaders to forge a new compact for the benefit of our community and all of Western New York.”
Assemblyman Joseph Giglio represents the 148th District, which consists of all of Cattaraugus and Allegany counties and portions of Steuben County as well. For more information, visit Assemblyman Giglio’s Official Website.
