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Feds Say Indian Tribes Can Build Casinos Far From Reservations
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jun 15, 2011
Modified Jun 15, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Jun 15, 2011
Modified Jun 15, 2011
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While the recession has been over for quite some time now, if there was to be a recession, there's nothing like gambling to give the economy a shot in the arm. Yesterday the Interior Department reversed position on a rule that denied Indian tribes to build casinos "beyond commuting distance from their reservations," which means that the St. Regis Mohawk tribe may get that casino [pdf] 90 miles from New York City at the Monticello Race track after all. Atlantic City was just way too far!
An Interior spokesman tells the Times that the rule was "unnecessary and issued without benefit of tribal consultation." A professor who's an expert on gambling gave a more succinct explanation: "There's just so much money involved." The decision also opens the door for a casino in Nassau County, courtesy of the Shinnecock tribe, who just recently gained recognition from the federal government. Of course, that's what Long Island was missing: legalized gambling!
Naturally, not wanted to spurn anything that creates jobs or the illusion of pumping up the economy, Senator Schumer released a statement saying that while "I will not support any casion proposal where strong community support does not exist," he cheerily notes that the new position "opens the door for gaming in the economically depressed Catskills, which has broad-based community support for the jobs it can bring." Nope, we don't see any downsides at all.
Tagged
casino
charles schumer
gambling
indian tribes
legalized gambling
senator schumer
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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