Shinnecock Tribe Moves Toward New Casino With Federal Recognition

The Shinnecock Indians of Eastern Long Island moved as close as they have ever been to realizing their dream of building a regional casino in the Northeast. The US Department of the Interior proposed federal recognition for the tribe on Tuesday.

The tribe has been trying to build a casino since 2003, but they have been turned away without the federal recognition. Now, after the waiting period ends, the casino could become a reality.

Before the casino plans can be put in motion, there must be a ninety day comment period. Then, an additional thirty day waiting period would be for the Shinnecocks. That means the final decision could come down sometime in May.

Connecticut casinos, Foxwoods, which is owned by the Pequots, and Mohegan Sun, owned by the Mohegan tribe, have been struggling due to the economy. An additional casino in the Northeast could hurt the future of both major casinos in Connecticut.

"The Mohegans have had a long-standing position that they support tribal governmental gaming as a way for Native American governments to provide for their people," said Spokesman for the Mohegans, Chuck Bunnell, as reported in The Hartford Courant.

The competition for Connecticut casinos does not stop there. Pennsylvania has also joined New York in expanding their casino gambling options. In Pennsylvania, lawmakers are going one step further and legalizing table games at their casinos.

December 16, 2009
Posted By April Gardner
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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