With two successful casino projects up and running, and a third permanent facility in development, the Seneca Nation of Indians will lend its gaming expertise to a Massachusetts tribe looking to get in the casino business.
The Senecas and the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head announced a partnership to pursue one of three gambling licenses proposed for Massachusetts. Seneca Nation President Maurice A. John Sr. joined with Aquinnah Wampanoag Chairman Donald A. Widdiss in Boston to announce the casino development effort.
"We have a proven track record of bringing casino projects to completion in neighboring New York," John said at the media event. "Our casinos are beautifully designed, and faithful to the cultural traditions of Native Americans."
Seneca Gaming spokesman Phil Pantano said John and Seneca gaming executives have been in discussions with the Aquinnah Wampanoags for months. Principals of the development group, including the Seneca president and Rajat Shah, Seneca Gaming's senior vice president for corporate development, already have met with some key Massachusetts legislators regarding the Aquinnah Wampanoags' casino interests.
Earlier this month, Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick introduced a measure to authorize up to three destination resort casinos, with preference going to federally authorized Native American tribes. The Aquinnah Wampanoags were the first Massachusetts tribe to gain official authorization.
As legislation works its way through the Massachusetts legislature, the Senecas will assist the Aquinnah Wampanoags with market analysis, financing and lobbying
efforts, according to Pantano.
"If they are selected, Seneca Gaming would continue to lend its expertise in site selection and casino development," Pantano said. "The partnership agreement does not talk about any sort of operational relationship at this time. If that were to happen, there would be no ownership stake on our part."
The casino development partnership between the Senecas and the Martha's Vineyardbased tribe follows last week's announcement that the nation is vying for the rights to run a video lottery terminal casino at Aqueduct Racetrack in Queens. Pantano said both opportunities open the door to greater exposure for its Western New York operations.
"Not only can we expand our expertise, and help out another tribe, but we can increase awareness of who we are and what we do," Pantano said.
He said in the case of Aqueduct, the nation's involvement will generate more revenue for New York State by cross-marketing upstate and downstate operations.
The Aqueduct gaming license will be awarded before the end of the year.
It is unlikely any casino will open in Massachusetts for at least three years.
In announcing the partnership, Widdiss, the Aquinnah Wampanoag chairman, noted the Senecas' fast-paced success in developing Seneca Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls, Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca and a temporary Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in Buffalo. In less than five years, the Senecas have invested more than $750 million in their projects.
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