Tribe won’t pursue casino because of Ridge’s opposition

Monday, July 24, 2000 | 10:20 a.m.

The Seneca Nation submitted a request last month to Gov. Tom Ridge to start talks on a compact that would permit the tribe to operate a Class III gaming facility.

In its letter, dated June 19, Seneca Nation President Duane James Ray said the tribe does do not own land in Pennsylvania, but has "historical and aboriginal connections" in western Pennsylvania. With the state's assent, the Seneca could try to buy land for development.

Kevin Shivers, a Ridge spokesman, said this week that the administration does not believe the Seneca have standing to pursue a gaming agreement.

"We do not believe we have an obligation to negotiate a compact because there are no recognized reservations in Pennsylvania," Shivers said.

Ray said Friday that given the opposition, the Seneca would drop their plan.

"This letter just represented an option for us," Ray said. "We just wanted to know where the state of Pennsylvania, and the governor, stood on the issue. If Pennsylvania is not interested, it doesn't go any further than that."

A Class III casino can have card and table games, slot machines and other electronic games of chance, as well as activities such as horse racing and jai alai, according to the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.