Hochul, Armstrong announce short-term extension of current gaming compact between New York & Seneca Nation of Indians

Discussions continue on new 20-year gaming compact

Gov. Kathy Hochul and Seneca Nation of Indians President Rickey L. Armstrong Sr. on Friday met in Buffalo and signed an extension of the current gaming compact between New York state and the Seneca Nation of Indians, which expires Dec. 9, 2023. The extension runs through March 31, 2024, and will automatically renew unless one of the parties decides not to renew it or a new gaming compact is agreed upon.

Hochul’s team said, “The terms of the compact are unchanged from before and both sides will be meeting again in the coming weeks to continue negotiations on a long-term compact.”

"Today, I returned to Buffalo to meet with President Armstrong and memorialize an extension of the current gaming compact to ensure the state and Seneca Nation can continue working towards a long-term resolution," Hochul said. "With the signing of this agreement, there is important momentum for negotiations around the compact. I remain committed to working with President Armstrong and the Seneca Nation in finalizing an agreement that is fair to all parties, and I look forward to more conversations in the coming weeks and months as we continue to meet."

Armstrong Sr. said, “Over the last several weeks, our discussions with New York state, including face-to-face meetings with Gov. Hochul, have centered, in part, on the potential extension of our current compact, especially as the Dec. 9 expiration gets ever closer. As a result of those discussions between our governments, the Seneca Nation and New York state have agreed to a short-term extension of our current compact. As important, we have agreed to continue negotiations on a new compact. This short-term extension will provide additional time for our governments to complete compact negotiations and to seek all necessary approvals in accordance with Seneca Nation, New York state, and federal law.

“Under the extension, our three gaming properties will continue to operate without interruption, alleviating any concerns about potential impacts for our thousands of casino employees, which was a priority for the Nation. 

“In our discussions, Gov. Hochul has expressed a desire to reset the relationship between our governments. No issue is of greater importance to the economies of Western New York and the Seneca Nation than a fair compact. Tens of thousands of individuals, families and businesses across Western New York are depending on an agreement that secures the significant jobs, business opportunities, and economic benefits the Seneca Nation delivers to the Western New York economy. The short-term extension of our compact is an important step, but even more important work remains to be done. The Seneca Nation remains committed to negotiating honestly and directly with New York state on a compact that provides a fair and equitable economic and competitive environment for our gaming operations and the many people who depend on them.”

New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt said, “I am pleased that a temporary extension of the current gaming compact between the Seneca Nation and New York state has been reached. However, the governor must continue to work towards a long-term agreement for the benefit of Niagara Falls and Western New York. Any future agreement must prioritize the host communities and benefit not only New York state, but the people of the Seneca Nation, as well.”

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