New York Catskills Casino Gambling? Not For St. Regis Mohawk Tribe

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe was being counted on not only by Empire Resorts, but also the people of Sullivan County that wanted the tribe to build a casino at Monticello Gaming and Raceway. Over the weekend, the tribe let all those involved down.

The tribe held a vote on Saturday of its community members as to whether or not they should continue to push for the casino project. The vote came in 178-140 to stop pursuing the casino project.

"I hope that the folks at the track can identify another partner that can come forward and become part of the tremendous support that the county, the Town of Thompson, and us here at the Partnership have for casino gaming," said Sullivan County Partnership President Timothy McCausland.

One of the main obstacles in the way of a Catskills casinos for the St. Regis Tribe was a law put in place by the Bush Administration that limits how far off of their reservation a tribe can build a casino.

That law is being challenged, and may be overturned, but the tribe decided that it was too much of a risk. Now, Sullivan County will begin looking for another developer for the casino.

The state of New York has expanded their casino gambling options along with other Northeastern states. Pennsylvania and Connecticut have joined New York in posing a serious threat to the Atlantic City gaming industry. The tribe's decision this past weekend is a minor setback for New York.

November 25, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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