Seneca Catskill Casino Moves Closer To Becoming A Reality

The Seneca Nation has all along had high hopes that they would soon be starting their casino project in the Catskills. Now, after the Seneca Nation Legislative Council approved a pact with Sullivan County, that dream is one step closer to becoming a reality.

"The Seneca Nation initially proposed an agreement consistent with our existing compact with New York state that would have provided local municipalities with a share of the exclusive fee," said Barry Snyder Sr., Seneca Nation president, "But, local officials were intent on a direct payment and we are glad that we were able to come to an agreement."

The town of Bridgeville will be the location of the casino. The Senecas, along with their partners in the project, Rotate Black of Michigan, hope now they can move along with the process.

Before any construction can begin on the casino, Federal, state, and municipal approvals are all still necessary. The Senecas believe that those approvals will be helped along after the deal is signed with Sullivan County.

The casino will be one of epic proportions. The casino floor is expected to be two million square feet. It will house 120 table games, thirty poker tables, and 6,000 slot machines. The destination will also have retail sites, a 5,000 seat arena, and a 1,500 room hotel and spa, to go along with twelve restaurants.

"This is the first big step in our goal of bringing Class III gaming to the Catskills," said Snyder. Officials from the Seneca Nation are expected to be in Sullivan County on Thursday to sign the agreement.

May 14, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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