Empire Resorts Statement Regarding the St. Regis
Mohawk Tribe
July 08, 2010 02:33 PM Eastern Daylight Time
MONTICELLO, N.Y.--(EON: Enhanced Online News)--Empire Resorts, Inc., (NASDAQ: NYNY) today
announced it has received word the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe has decided to end its exclusive discussions with
Empire Resorts to build a Class III casino in the Catskills region of New York State.
Empire Resorts CEO Joseph D’Amato commented, “We concur with the Tribe’s assessment that the Monticello
Casino and Raceway site is the Tribe’s best choice for Class III gaming in the Catskills given the important federal,
state and local approvals that have taken many years to complete. While it is unfortunate that the Tribe has indicated
its intention to explore other Catskill locations where it would have no site specific approvals, Empire Resorts
respects the Council’s position and we wish them every success.”
The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe is only the second tribe in history to obtain the federal “two-part determination”
necessary to own and operate an off-reservation casino. In order to build the casino, the land must be taken into
trust and the Tribe has successfully completed nearly all of the many steps necessary to have this done; all of the
related approvals are still valid.
Mr. D’Amato concluded, “Empire Resorts will continue to explore every growth opportunity including the expansion
of our existing facility. In terms of tribal gaming, our Monticello Casino and Raceway site has unparalleled
infrastructure, approvals and access that will make it a prime location for any future gaming in the Catskills should the
St. Regis Mohawks, or any other Tribe, wish to pursue off-reservation gaming in Sullivan County.”
About Empire Resorts
Empire Resorts owns and operates the Monticello Casino & Raceway, a harness racing track and casino located in
Monticello, New York, and 90 miles from midtown Manhattan. For additional information, please visit
www.empireresorts.com.
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