ROME, New York – As reported by the Albany Times Union: Despite its murky legal status, Turning Stone casino won be closed, Attorney General Eliot Spitzer said Thursday.
In his most protracted remarks since the U.S. Supreme Court ruled the land under the casino is taxable, and therefore not sovereign territory, Spitzer said the thorny problem of its continued operation is difficult to resolve.
…He said the Oneida Indian Nation, which has operated the casino since 1993, had an apparent right and belief it was operating legally, having received a gaming compact from Gov. Mario Cuomo. State court rulings have rendered the compact illegal because the Legislature never ratified it.
…The next governor will likely inherit the issue of the legality of gambling at Turning Stone. Gov. George Pataki has been trying to get federal authorities to offer guidance. The federal government suggests the state attempt to resolve the matter as part of its land claim negotiations with the Oneida..