Republican Carl Paladino may use the gambling industry to show that he is a no-nonsense governor. If elected, Paladino has a set agenda, and among the first things he expects to do in office is get New York a better deal with the Oneida tribe.
The tribe operates the Turning Stone Casino, and Paladino believes that not enough revenue is being generated for the state from the casino. Paladino has threatened to close access roads to the casino if the Oneida tribe does not begin negotiations on a new revenue deal.
Paladino suggests he will give the tribe two weeks to begin negotiations on the revenue sharing. If the deal is not reached, the casino could be forced into closure, which would be devastating for thousands of employees that work at the facility in Central New York. The tribe has not commented on the threat.
It is not guaranteed that Paladino will even get the chance to force the casino closure. The Republican is running against Democrat Andrew Cuomo, who also has not commented on Paladino's plan. As the election nears, New York voters now have another issue to weigh in making their decision.
Cuomo could alienate some business owners that are nearby the Oneida tribe's reservation. The business owners contend that it is impossible to compete with the tribe because they do not pay taxes. This affects gas stations, convenience stores, and other businesses that are in direct competition for business in that area of the state.
New York is one of the states in the Northeast that is making advancements in the area of casino gambling. The state recently secured a developer for a casino at Aqueduct. Voters approved the casino gaming at the racetrack nearly a decade ago, but the state had been unable to strike a deal with a developer. Finally, after many failed attempts, a deal was struck this year.
October 14, 2010
Posted By Vincent Tapoglia III
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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