Gaming News

Buffalo, Erie County disagree on slot money split

NEW YORK -- As reported by the Buffalo News: "The first local payout of slot machine revenues from Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino — about $700,000 — will be disbursed by the end of June. But Buffalo and Erie County won't see a penny at any time soon.

"The money will be staying in Albany for the foreseeable future because the city and county cannot agree on a formula to split it up.

"City Hall and County Hall have staked conflicting claims on the revenues, a pot of money from slot machines that's expected to swell to as much as $7 million annually when the permanent Buffalo casino opens in 2010.

"...But County Executive Chris Collins is equally adamant about spliting the payments right down the middle.

"...While the casino is situated in Buffalo, it's a regional asset, the county executive said.

"'I don't blame the mayor for seeking more, but the truth is the casino could have ended up anywhere in Erie County,' he said. 'I don't think the mayor would have supported Cheektowaga getting a check for 100 percent if that's where it landed.'

"An attempt by state lawmakers to craft a compromise, with the city receiving 75 percent of the local share and Erie County getting the remaining 25 percent, failed to make it into the final version of the 2008-09 state budget..."

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