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Catskill Casino a Step Closer

Hopes for an Indian casino at Monticello Raceway in New York took a big step forward this week when the eastern office of the U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs announced that a proposal submitted by the St. Regis Mohawks "satisfies all requirements and will positively impact the tribe and the surrounding community."

The report went on to say the casino "will revitalize the area's tourism industry and provide the impetus for additional tourist-related developments."

Still ahead is Washington approval and, of course, the need for Governor George Pataki to end his silence on the matter. A Pataki spokesman said, following this week's regional approval, "The governor recognizes that gambling might be a valuable option for resort areas like the Catskills." That sounds encouraging, and the raceway and three New York developers have plans ready for a 700,000-square foot casino at the track on 30 acres of track land the Mohawks hope to have put in trust as tribal property.

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