Tribe To Open Casino At Belmont

A casino may soon rise up in Belmont Park if deals with the Shinnecock Indians pushes through. The tribe have have announced recently that they are considering the racetrack as a possible site for a casino that they plan to establish.

Tribe officials have reached an agreement last week with the US Department of the Interior to receive formal recognition from the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The recognition is necessary to allow a tribe to operate a gambling facility. An earlier attempt by the tribe to set up a casino in 2003 was rejected by other factions.

According to Shinnecock trustee Randy King, the move will greatly benefit the tribe as it would help them gain better recognition from their surrounding neighbors.

According to BIA spokeswoman Nedra Darling, Interior officals are now looking into ancestral records and other documents to determine if the Shinnecock has reached the requirements for tribal recognition. The Shinnecock have tried to hasten the process in 2007 by seeking a recognition in court, but was denied of their request.

However, officials also added, that even if the tribe gets official recognition, the tribe still has a lot of things to do before they can start work on the casino. The tribe need to secure other required federal and state permits first to operate. If approved, however, the tribe can enjoy federal funding and grants for their operations. The preliminary decision on the case is expected by December 15, with the final ruling is hoped to come by next year.

The tribe's move was met with mixed reactions, however. Southampton residents were divided on the issue as several expressed their opposition against new casinos, while others say that the casino would bring in additional income for the community.

Several politicians also expressed their support for the move. According to Republican Senator Dean Skelos, while there are still many things to consider, he still open to the idea of an Indian casino in the area. A Democratic Senator meanwhile, said that the plan is “an intriguing but exciting possibility.”

The Shinnecock have also said that hey are also interested in other areas besides Belmont for the site of the casino.