Catskill Casinos Still Await Approval
31 August 2005
Residents and business owners of the Catskills have been waiting for casinos to become legalized for many years. These residents are waiting to see if there will be three casinos, which were approved by lawmakers four years ago, or the five casinos that New York Governor George E. Pataki tried to push for last winter, or will there simply be one casino, as per current efforts on the part of Democrat legislators.
In addition to disagreement among legislators as to the number of casinos to open, Indian tribal land disputes have also helped stall the opening of casinos in the Catskills. This indecision has kept opponents of casinos satisfied, however, those who feel that casinos would give a boost to the once thriving resort, are utterly disappointed. Others have stopped caring, not wanting to set themselves up for disappointment, stating that they will never live to see casinos in the region.
The Pataki administration, which was initially pushing for five Indian casinos, has now withdrawn the legislation, in efforts to settle Indian land claims. A federal ruling, however, from the Second Circuit Court of Appeals in New York, later determined that these tribes had no case, as they filed their suit too late to be valid.
The Democratic-controlled Assembly has supported the notion of allowing one casino for the St. Regis Mohawks, while the Republican-controlled Senate has insisted on three casinos. Consequently, no casinos have been authorized.
Source: Authorized Online Casinos News Staff
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