Study shows Seneca casino benefits

NEW YORK – As reported by Democrat & Chronicle: "An economic impact report says the Seneca Nation of Indians' enterprises, from its two casinos to its private cigarette entrepreneurs, generate $1.2 billion in annual revenues for the local and state economy.

"The report, The Seneca Nation Economy: Its Foundations, Size and Impact on New York State and the Western New York Region, was prepared by the Cambridge, MA, firm Taylor Policy Group Inc., and financed by the Seneca Nation.

"Among the report's findings:

"- In 2005 the nation paid New York state $68 million in casino revenues, under its compact with the state to operate three casinos. The state pays a quarter of that to the host communities.

"-Despite the nation's tax-free status, some $53 million in state taxes were generated by its demands for goods and services in the surrounding economy.

"-About two-thirds of the gamblers at the nation's Seneca Allegheny Casino come from out of state, bringing out-of-state dollars into the economy…"