New York State: Mohawks shaft state

Mohawks won't back down, refuse to pay the state
ARBITRATION REQUESTED: St. Regis Mohawks claim unrelated tribe in Ganienkeh operating slots, infringing on their rights

HOGANSBURG — The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe is standing by its previous statements that the state has knowingly allowed another tribe to operate slots and break its exclusive gaming rights.

The Mohawks are requesting arbitration and say that if the arbitrator agrees with them, they will attempt to get the state's share of the gaming compact returned.

"That's an issue that we're going to be bringing up with the state," Chief Mark H. Garrow said. "I think it's preliminary to look to attach any number to that or any process before we go to arbitration."

Since 2004, the tribe has sent more than $30 million in gaming revenue to the state alone. More of the casino's revenues also are sent to St. Lawrence and Franklin counties, as well as the towns of Brasher, Massena, Fort Covington and Bombay, via Albany. The tribe is not looking to have that money returned.