CasinoCityTimes.com

Home
Gaming Strategy
Featured Stories
News
Newsletter
Legal News Financial News Casino Opening and Remodeling News Gaming Industry Executives Search News Subscribe
Newsletter Signup
Stay informed with the
NEW Casino City Times newsletter!
SEARCH NEWS:
Search Our Archive of Gaming Articles 
 

New York Casino Critics Point Out Loophole

24 October 2002

WASHINGTON, DC – As reported by the Buffalo News: "On the eve of the federal government's decision on whether to approve the Western New York casino deal, critics lashed out at a potential loophole in the agreement that could leave New York State without any gambling revenue.

"The Seneca Nation of Indians has ordered 2,600 slot machines for a Niagara Falls casino, but there would be a loophole if it decided to install similar devices called video lottery terminals, or VLTs, instead of slots.

"Once Western New York racetracks install video lottery terminals, which is expected in the spring, the Senecas could do the same in their casinos and not have to pay the state any revenue if they abandoned their slot machines.

"…One of the casino deal's most vocal opponents, Rep. John J. LaFalce, D-Town of Tonawanda, said he was shocked to hear that the state - which had projected casino revenue of up to $825 million - could end up with none.

"…`The Senecas have already committed to putting 2,600 slot machines into its casinos,' said Barry Brandon, attorney for the tribe.

"…Nevertheless, LaFalce and another prominent critic of the casino deal, Assemblyman Sam Hoyt, D-Buffalo, said they were concerned that the Senecas would switch to video lottery terminals…"

< Gaming News