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Oneidas Bargaining for Mexico Casinos3 April 2001NEW YORK – April 3, 2001 –As reported by the Syracuse Herald Journal: "The Oneida Indian Nation is negotiating an agreement with the Mexican government to manage that country's first two casinos, Oneida Nation representative Ray Halbritter said Monday. "Halbritter and a delegation of Oneidas will fly to the Pacific coast cities of Acapulco and Mazatlan at the end of April to buy or lease land to build two casino resorts. The Oneidas plan to spend $500 million. "…It will be the first diplomatic agreement between an American Indian tribe and a foreign country, according to a spokesman for the National Indian Gaming Association. "…In eight years, the Oneidas' New York casino has grown out of a fallow field to become the largest employer in the region. The nation has turned an undisclosed amount of profits into health care, college tuition and better housing for its 1,000 members. "…Halbritter said the two regions, about a one-hour flight apart, attract more U.S. tourists than anywhere else in Mexico. The area has about 25,000 hotel rooms, which boast 80 percent occupancy rates all year. The Oneidas have not yet settled on the casinos' size, scope or themes, he said. "…In the Mexican casinos, Halbritter said he is negotiating for Las Vegas-style slot machines and table games such as blackjack and roulette. They could include golf courses and other resort amenities, he said. "The Oneida Indian Nation will likely hire 200 people from Central New York to set up and manage the Mexican casinos, he said…" |