The Oneida Indians have made their first payment of $11 million under a deal with New York state that guarantees the tribe exclusive territory for their central New York casino. A federal judge last week approved the deal reached with the Cuomo administration last May. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said today the payment was made to Madison County and more money is forthcoming.
"These funds will allow economic development in Central New York. They’ll aid the creation of jobs, which is what this is all about, and it will allow Madison and Oneida to move forward, invest in their futures, and plan and act for their futures accordingly," Cuomo said.
The deal assures the Oneidas that no competing casino will be located near their Turning Stone casino in Verona in neighboring Oneida County. In return, the tribe will give to the government 25 percent of the casino's net revenue from slot machines, expected to be around $50 million annually.