Governor Kathy Hochul and Seneca Nations President Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr. have announced a short-term extension of the current gaming compact between New York State and the Seneca Nation.
The agreement, signed in Buffalo, extends the existing compact, which was set to expire on December 9, 2023, until March 31, 2024. This extension will automatically renew unless one party opts out or a new 20-year gaming compact is agreed upon. The terms of the existing compact remain unchanged, and both parties have committed to continue negotiations for a long-term agreement in the coming weeks.
Governor Hochul emphasized the significance of the extension, noting it provides crucial momentum for ongoing negotiations. She expressed her commitment to reaching a fair and equitable agreement with the Seneca Nation and looks forward to further discussions. The extension aims to facilitate a long-term resolution that benefits both New York State and the Seneca Nation, reflecting a collaborative approach between the two governments.
President Armstrong highlighted the importance of the gaming compact to the economies of Western New York and the Seneca Nation. He stated that the extension ensures the uninterrupted operation of the Nation’s three gaming properties, securing jobs and economic benefits for the region. Armstrong also acknowledged Governor Hochul’s efforts to reset the relationship between the governments, underscoring the mutual dedication to negotiating a fair and beneficial new compact. The extension serves as a crucial step in these negotiations, with the aim of establishing a sustainable economic and competitive environment for the Seneca Nation’s gaming operations and the communities they support.
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