NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. — An arbitration panel, which previously ruled the Seneca nation has to pay up on lapsed casino payments to the state, has determined the amount to be more than $255 million.
The state shares one-quarter of that money with Buffalo, Niagara Falls and Salamanca, all of which host Seneca Casinos.
The Senecas have withheld the money since 2017, insisting their agreement with the state had ended.
Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster is optimistic the money will be coming.
"There's been no reason to believe they're not going to make the payment. The next action that the state takes is on the basis of the arbitration panel's award to make a request for the payment, and them we'll see, But again, there's no reason to believe at this time that the Senecas are not going to make the payment."
Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong says he's still reviewing the panel's decision. He did issue a statement Friday.
“As with the opinion issued earlier this year, two of the three arbitration panel members have determined that an obligation exists for the Nation to continue revenue share payments to the State beyond Year 14 of the Compact. The two panel members arrived at this conclusion despite the fact that no language exists in the Compact to make such a determination,” said Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong, Sr.
“In making this final ruling, the panel has effectively and materially amended the agreed upon terms of the Compact. It has done so in complete disregard of federal law that governs the Compact and without following the necessary federal procedures for making Compact amendments.” “Simply put, the Compact is rooted in federal law and amending the Compact requires that proper procedures be followed. A majority of the panelmembers ignored both of these critical issues.” “Once we have reviewed and discussed this ruling and our legal rights, we will determine a path forward.”