NYS Tribal Gaming Venues Under Scrutiny

New York State’s government has not greenlighted commercial casinos as of yet, stating that the businesses are considered non-essential and they should remain closed. The New York State Gaming Commission recently made it clear that a group of state inspectors is keeping a close eye on Native American gaming venues overseen by the Seneca Nation of Indians and Oneida Indian Nation.

In a recent statement, Governor Andrew Cuomo pointed out that casino venues are not considered an essential business and they will have to remain closed for the time being. A reopening date has not been pinpointed. They have remained closed for the past more than four months, ever since mid-March. Native American Class III venues might be closely observed now.

Inspectors Monitor

State gaming inspectors keep a close eye on casino venues and gaming halls across New York State, making sure that all safety measures have been implemented. Right now, their eyes seem to be turned towards the Native American gaming venues overseen by the two tribal nations. Tribal gaming compacts between the Native American tribes and the government allow them to make decisions autonomously without following the existing permissions.

• NYS Commercial Casinos Locked Despite Booming Tribal Venues

The tribal Class III and Class II venues closed for business for a brief period in the spring, following their own judgment of keeping their people safe, as well as gaming patrons. They took their time to evaluate the situation, eventually reopening in the early summer weeks of this year. There is a total of six tribal venues currently operating, while the commercial casinos and racinos remain closed.

• Seneca Nation of Indians Give Buffalo a Taste of Tribal Sports Wagering

Seneca Nation of Indians oversees Seneca Niagara Casino & Hotel in Niagara Falls, Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca, and the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in Buffalo. Turning Stone Resort Casino in Verona, Point Place Casino in the Bridgeport area of Sullivan, and Yellow Brick Road Casino & Sports Book in Chittenango recently launched their sportsbooks overseen by Oneida Indian Nation.

Safety First

All venues claim that they have all safety measures implemented, striving to provide the utmost level of protection to both its staff members and patrons coming to gamble. Those six venues are located on sovereign land and they are not subject to the state’s directive, but it has been confirmed that the group state gaming inspectors returned to work around the June reopening of the tribal venues.

• Upstate New York Casinos Could Open ahead of Rivals

However, some concerns have been expressed regarding the daily operation of the tribal venues, as well as the expansion of gaming offerings throughout the weeks since their relaunch. Inspectors keeping a close eye on the state gaming field have expressed their opinion that the safety measures on their premises are taken lightly by some patrons. Face masks being taken off is one of the main issues within the enclosed gaming space.

• New York State Battles COVID-19 by Closing Casinos

In addition to that, the inspectors are also concerned about the number of individuals allowed in the gaming venue at any given time. The New York State Commission made it clear that the tribal venues are under supervision around the clock, making sure that all safety protocols are implemented and all staff members are suitable for their daily work with people.