Guv responds to potential Shinnecock casino concerns

Gov. David A. Paterson Thursday took pains to assure bidders of a planned racetrack-casino at Aqueduct Racetrack that they have little to fear from a potential Shinnecock Nation casino.

In a statement issued last night, Paterson spokesman Morgan Hook noted that the Southampton tribe, which received a crucial approval for federal recognition Tuesday, "has numerous hurdles to clear before it could develop a casino off-reservation."

The Shinnecock tribe is eyeing sites from Calverton to the Catskills, but hasn't settled on a location and must first reach agreements with the state and federal government to open off its 800-acre reservation.

The concern for the six entities that paid $1 million each to bid on a video lottery gambling terminal at Aqueduct would be a full-gambling facility at Belmont Park racetrack or Nassau Coliseum. Both sites have been considered by the tribe, and boosted by local politicians.

The Shinnecocks are not among the current Aqueduct bidders.

Paterson in his statement said, "We do not expect that it [an off-reservation casino] will have a major impact on the Aqueduct casino.

"Federal recognition of the Shinnecock Indian Nation should not cause concern for the potential bidders at Aqueduct, since the state will have significant approval authority for any future gaming venues, including the terms of any such agreement," the statement said. "The state intends to protect its financial interest in existing and planned facilities."

The Aqueduct plan has been beset by delays, two disqualified winning bids and controversy tied to claims of political favoritism. The current round of bidders must be prepared to make an upfront payment of $300 million to the state to win the contract.