“The Shinnecock people have long looked to work in partnership with the people of New York State in a way that helps the State of New York and the Shinnecock people,” Tribal Trustees Randy King, Fred Bess and Lance Gumbs said. “This proposal represents an effort by the Nation to work cooperatively in partnership with New York State, providing needed revenue for the State and economic justice for our people.

“We remain very concerned that the State would allow an out-of-state tribe to come into New York, especially when we are ready, willing and able to work as partners with the state. Considering the economic concerns the State faces, it’s time for the State to think creatively – and this is a creative proposal that seeks to resolve the State’s issues to the benefit of all involved,” said the Board of Trustees.

The casino would be owned by the Shinnecock Indian Nation and settle ongoing federal lawsuits that already have confirmed the Nation’s rightful place as a federally-recognized New York tribe. The settlement also could include the Shinnecocks’ land claim in Southampton, the largest dollar value Indian land claim ever filed.

These objectives could be accomplished through a meeting of the minds among the Nation, the State, local governments, and the federal government – and could be accomplished promptly if all parties come to the table in good faith and with a commitment to seek a solution. Implementation of the Nation’s proposal, owning and operating a full scale casino at Aqueduct, would not require amendment of the State constitution, thus avoiding the delay and uncertainties such an amendment would involve.

This alternative is far superior to any VLT parlor, regardless of size, because:

* A Shinnecock casino at Aqueduct would generate much greater revenues for the State than any VLT proposal – at least $400 million more in additional tax revenue to the State in the first year alone -- which would also assure that NYRA or whatever entity operating the horse racing franchise receives a secure revenue stream. The Shinnecock proposal also includes an appropriate host fee for New York City.

* Built with union labor, a Shinnecock casino at Aqueduct would yield 22,000 more jobs than just a VLT parlor.

* In contrast to VLT proposals that would involve minimal investment, potentially at State expense, a Shinnecock casino at Aqueduct would result in well over $1.5 billion in hard investment, at no cost to the State or the horse racing franchise holder.

* A Shinnecock casino would retain a much larger slice of gaming revenue now currently exiting the State to other established casinos, and would potentially attract more out-of-state patrons.

The Shinnecock’s partner, Gateway Casino Resorts, is led by experienced gaming industry veterans Marian Ilitch and Michael Malik. Malik and Ilitch worked together to develop Motor City Casino in Detroit, which Mrs. Ilitch now solely owns. Motor City, is currently finishing a massive expansion of that property, which has taken place without disrupting existing gaming operations, just as development will need to do at Aqueduct.

"Our vision goes far beyond adding a few slot machines at Aqueduct, but instead we propose to construct an exciting new entertainment venue in Queens to complement and enhance the current horse racing experience," said Mike Malik, President of Gateway Casino Resorts. "We are proud to work with the Shinnecocks to create a $1.4 billion casino resort facility adjacent to the existing Aqueduct track that includes 490,000 square feet of gaming space. Additionally, following consultation with the local community, the proposed development should eventually include hotels, restaurants, shopping and all of the other amenities that customers have come to expect in a gaming experience."