Shinnecock Indian Nation | Programs & Services

QWhy is Indian gaming being considered by the Shinnecock Indian Nation?

A Throughout the country, tribal government gaming is working for Indians and non-Indians. Indian gaming facilities operating in 29 states (three in New York) employ over 300,000 people, while providing much needed funds to Indian tribes for education, housing, health care, clean water and other basic services. Gaming has helped Indian nations gain control of their own futures. It’s simple; Indian gaming works and that’s why the Nation is strongly considering opening a gaming facility. Gaming would help provide resources that we need to maintain our tribal lands, preserve our culture, educate our children, and eliminate the need for state and federal assistance.

QHow will the profits from a casino benefit the members of the Shinnecock Indian Nation?

A Profits from Indian gaming can make a dramatic difference in a tribe’s ability to care for itself and its future. Homes, health care and education are the immediate concerns for the Nation. We will use the revenues from economic development to improve our senior and youth center, repair damage to our cemetery, create a tribal police force to monitor our beaches, reopen the oyster project, open a day care center, and provide resources for our children so that they can receive a sound education. In fact, according to research conducted by Montana State University, the most frequent use of Indian gaming money is for tribal education so any member who desires to attend college can do so.

Q You mentioned that profits would be used for helping the Shinnecock Indian Nation. But how will the external community benefit?

A In our region, gaming would support year round jobs and could generate millions of dollars in economic activity. It’s a fact that tribes in other parts of the country contribute billions of dollars annually to state economies, employ both Indians and non-Indians and spend millions of dollars on goods and services. In locations similar to our region, Indian gaming governments have partnered with local officials to provide revenue for public services such as sewer, roads and fire and police protection. The bottom line, everyone wins.

The Shinnecock Indian Nation is a good neighbor; we’ve been that way for over 400 years. If successful, we want to help the community. National data indicate that Tribal gaming enterprises tend to give more to charities than do non-Indian gaming enterprises. (http://www.indiangaming.org/resources/niga_forms/wa-state-study.pdf.)

Q Some people feel that crime comes along with gambling. What assurances do I have that a Shinnecock facility would be regulated?

A Indian gaming is the most highly regulated type of gaming in the country. It is regulated at the tribal, state and federal level with Indian nations as the primary regulators. As an example, the Director of Connecticut’s Office of Policy and Management stated that crimes in general (and organized crime in particular) are not problems at Mohegan Sun and Foxwoods. (Source: The News Review, May 29, 2003) As part of our process, we’ve created a five member Gaming Authority to explore all aspects of running and monitoring gambling activities. Additionally, the state police, FBI and the IRS can enforce most of their laws. For example, federal law makes it a crime punishable up to ten years in prison to steal, cheat or embezzle from an Indian gaming operation, and the FBI enforces that law. And should we move forward, we will have the highest level of security, an age limit and, at least initially, there will be no alcohol in the facility.

Q Does the Shinnecock Indian Nation need federal recognition to open a casino?

A We believe the issue of federal recognition is a distracting legal argument used to prevent our economic independence. The United States Supreme Court ruled that gaming is a matter of civil law, to be governed by individual Indian nations. The Nation has been recognized by the state of New York as an independent, self-governing nation for centuries. This historic, diplomatic arrangement provides the foundation for the Nation to govern and conduct gaming on our tribal lands.

Q I’m concerned about the environment. Will it be protected if you decide to open a casino?

A Caring for Mother Earth is fundamental to the Nation. We’ve been stewards of the land for 10,000 years and we will continue that way for 10,000 more. Any plans for a gaming facility would be limited in scope and located only on our tribal land. In a recent interview, a Shinnecock Trustee stated, "Have we ever, in the history of being here on Long Island, done anything against nature? Never. We are a people of the earth…” (Source: East Hampton Star, June 5th, 2003)

Q I’m worried that a casino will look like the type we see in Atlantic City.

A Any gaming facility would be tastefully developed to fit our natural surroundings. It would be no taller or bigger than anything that already exists in the Hamptons. As stewards of the land, we will continue to respect and protect the earth. Regardless of location, we anticipate setting aside large areas of open space.

Q Traffic is a big problem in our region. Won’t this add more traffic congestion?

A Any Indian gaming facility would be part of the traffic solution, not part of the problem. Traffic has been an issue on the East End ever since farms were turned into subdivisions. If we decide to open an Indian gaming casino, keeping traffic congestion away from residential streets is a top priority. Most important, any development projects we undertake will be mindful of our neighbors’ concerns, and will likely result in infrastructure upgrades on roads to tribal lands.

Q What about other options for generating income?

A The Shinnecock Indian Nation has tried all types of economic development, but generating income has been limited. The Oyster Hatchery was probably our most successful venture until the brown tide closed it down. Other ventures have been explored, such as windmill electricity generation, cell tower, waste management and more. Gaming is our best prospect for reaching true self-reliance.

Q I’ve read that Indian nations do not pay taxes and that revenue generated in a casino won’t help the community.

A Although the members of the Nation come first, Indian gaming will save taxpayers millions each year in reduced state assistance programs that we currently depend upon. That money could be used for other local services to help reduce our local and/or state budget. Customers at Indian casinos also will pay taxes on their winnings; that’s the law. As well, all of the tribal casino employees, who are not members of the Nation, will pay state and federal income taxes on their wages. That’s important because statistics show that 70 percent of the jobs created by Indian gaming go to non-Indians. Why? There are more jobs available than tribes can fill through their own membership.

It’s important to understand that just as the state government does not pay taxes on state lottery revenues, Indian tribal governments do not pay taxes on the revenues from tribal gaming facilities. This is because most of the revenues are used for tribal government operations and for the general welfare of Indian nations and its members.

Q Money can often have a negative impact. Will gambling alter the Shinnecock culture?

A No. Revenues from Indian gaming would help support repatriation efforts for the Nation. The Nation has artifacts spread around the world in museums and private collections. We’d like to have the financial resources to purchase most of these items back. Gaming revenues could also support education and cultural enrichment programs for our children, particularly in the area of language restoration.

Q I’m concerned about the expansion of the site. If the Shinnecock make money on this, do they plan to just keep adding more buildings? What about a hotel?

A At this point, the Nation is simply exploring an Indian gaming facility. Plans for expansion have not even been considered, and it’s just too premature to discuss.

Q How will the Shinnecock Nation deal with gambling addiction?

A Indian tribes have model programs for gambling related problems. In fact, in many states, Indian funds are the primary source for gambling addiction programs. If we move forward, the Nation has every intention to support and fund a gambling addiction program. Indian gaming operations also provide prevention-oriented literature and information on where to seek help.

How can I help?

Any community resident, business or organization supporting Indian gaming and the Shinnecock Nation’s continued quest for self-reliance may become a member of our coalition, Citizens for Shinnecock Self-Reliance. There’s no contribution of money or time to join. To join, fill out a membership form, or call us at (631) 204-9301. Most statistics noted in this document should be attributed to the National Indian Gaming Association at http://www.indiangaming.org.