Seneca Nation v. New York: Issues And Ramifications

The Seneca Nation and State of New York are currently embroiled in arbitration to resolve the Nation's claim that the State violated the negotiated Tribal-State Class III Gaming Compact by allowing non- Indian land-based gaming within its Class III gaming exclusivity zone. The Nation is withholding payments to the State and local governments pending a full resolution of the dispute, and the battle is escalating as local communities feel the effects of the withholdings.

Most recently, Mayor Paul Dyster of Niagara Falls threatened to withdraw fire protection services for the Nation's casino unless the payments resume. In fact, Tuesday's edition of The Buffalo News reported that the State is negotiating a short-term bridge loan with the City to make up for the shortfall, according to a State Assemblyman. Mayor Dyster has refused to confirm the negotiations.