Young Passes Casino Equity Bill

State Senator Catharine "Cathy" Young (R,I,C - Olean) yesterday passed a bill that would allow municipal governments in Cattaraugus County, which host the new Seneca casino, to receive 25% of the negotiated percentage of the net drop from electronic gaming devices the State receives pursuant to the gaming compact.

"I’m glad that I was able to pass this important legislation," Senator Young said.
"Cattaraugus County municipalities are currently experiencing revenue losses and substantial costs due to expenses associated with infrastructure and other requirements for the newly constructed Seneca Allegany Casino. These losses are passed along to local taxpayers who can least afford any additional burden."

Under State law, Cattaraugus County is eligible to receive 15% of the negotiated percentage of net drop from electronic gaming devices the State receives pursuant to the compact from the Seneca Allegany Casino to offset these and other related costs (i.e. emergency services, roadway deterioration due to increased volume, etc).

"Under the state’s gaming compact municipalities in Erie and Niagara receive 25% of the net drop from these devices," Senator Young continued. I feel it’s only fair that Cattaraugus County be compensated at the same rate as the other counties in western New York. With the passage of my legislation, we will rectify the current inequity in revenue distribution by increasing the distribution to these local governments from 15% to 25%."

The legislation now awaits action in the State Assembly.