Indian consulting assistance on casino gaming

from this morning's Buffalo News--


Senecas to assist Massachusetts tribe on casinos
By Sharon Linstedt
Updated: 10/29/07 8:25 AM

"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." ...

"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 Vineyard based 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." ...

"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.

Earlier this month, the Senecas unveiled plans for a $333 million permanent casino along Michigan Avenue in downtown Buffalo."

for the complete story see:
http://www.buffalonews.com/145/story/194856.html