Cayuga Nation Launches Second Casino in New York

There has been an expansion in land-based gaming options in New York, as recently, the Cayuga Nation opened a new gambling facility on the west side of the Cayuga Lake close to Seneca Falls. The new venue is branded Lakeside Entertainment and kicked off operations last week, and replaced the former gas station at the corner of Route 89 and Garden Steet Extension.

It should be noted that the new gaming amenity is owned and operated by the Cayuga Nation, under the leadership of federal representative Clint Halftown. The gas station was operated by a rival faction of the Cayuga community until 2020 when Mr. Halftown and the council seized the property and demolished the location and several other buildings to make way for the gaming venue.

Another Class II Casino

In addition to its new Lakeside Entertainment property near Seneca Falls, the Nation also owns and operates another gaming establishment on Route 90 in the village of Union Springs in Cayuga County. Via its compact with the state, its two Lakeside Entertainment properties are branded as “Class II” casinos, which means that they can offer only video gaming and bingo options.

Besides gaming operations, the Cayuga Nation is also actively involved in the legal marijuana sector. The Nation has a growing property close to Seneca Falls and a cannabis brand titled Arrow Head Hemp. The tribe’s products can be found at both of its gaming properties in Union Spring and the Cayuga Corner Store, which is in near proximity to its new casino.

In a press release from last week, Mr. Halftown commented that through gambling the Nation can provide critical resources for its community and the citizens of Cayuga Nation. He also shared that the tribe is excited to add another gaming establishment to its existing Union Springs property and is now looking forward to welcoming patrons to its new venue.

Back in 2020, the Nation saw its plans to expand its existing Lakeside Entertainment Casino, however, its plans were rejected. In August 2020, the United States Department of the Interior announced that the Nation’s application for tax-exempt trust has been denied. The state’s decision was impacted by the Nation’s demolishing of several buildings in the area in February 2020.

Non-Tribal Casino Expansion is also on the Card

Meanwhile, the New York State legislature is also working on expanding its non-tribal or commercial casino properties. Earlier this year, the administration fast-tracked the issuance of the three commercial licenses to downstate locations. Then in October 2022, a board was elected to determine the hosts and sitting of up to three casinos.

According to the New York State Gaming Commission it has appointed New York Women’s Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Quenia Abreau, former New York City Housing Commissioner Vicki Been, and Stuart Rabinowitz to the board. The panel’s chief responsibility will be to determine the hosts and siting of up to three potential downstate casinos after a competitive application process is completed.

Source: Cazentre, Dom “Cayuga Nation opens new gambling venue near Seneca Falls” Syracuse.com, December 14, 2022