Cayuga Nation Takes NYSGC to Court over IGRA Violation

The Cayuga Nation was not amused to find lottery tickets being sold on its reservation. As a result, the tribe is taking the New York State Gaming Commission (NYSGC) to court.

The tribal nation learned that lottery tickets were being sold on its reservation in the Finger Lakes region, violating its exclusive right to offer gambling products on its lands. According to the lawsuit, the NY state installed lottery terminals on Cayuga lands, allowing customers to buy instant-win scratch-offs and lottery tickets.

Additionally, the state provided Jackpot, a company that allows players to access the New York Lottery and other similar games via the Jackpocket app, with a courier service license.

Cayuga Tried Reaching Out to NYSGC to No Avail

Under the US Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), the NY state has no permission to offer gaming on Cayuga lands, unless explicitly permitted, the Cayuga Nation argues. Additionally, any state that conducts gaming on tribal land must provide at least 60% of its net revenue to the tribe – something the Empire State also failed to do.

The tribal entity also pointed out that lottery games constitute Class III gaming, which is on the same level as slots and roulette. However, even the Cayuga Tribe is prohibited from offering Class III games on its lands and must stick to Class II gaming, which includes poker and electronic bingo.

Additionally, the Cayuga suggested that the presence of lottery games on its territory would cannibalize the tribal industry’s revenues, preventing it from generating funds for its people. Clint Halftown, a representative of the tribe, commented on the matter, saying that the money generated by tribal gambling is used to provide life-changing government benefits to Cayuga citizens.

New York State’s practice of authorizing lotteries on Reservation land causes grave concern to the Nation’s rights and ability to provide for Nation citizens.

Clint Halftown, Cayuga Nation representative

Cayuga representatives noted that the lawsuit comes after the tribe failed to contact the New York State Gaming Commission and discuss the matter. The nation now hopes to prove that the presence of lottery gaming on its lands violates the IGRA.

Halftown said that the Cayuga Nation Council will not overlook the state’s transgression, especially considering the recent expansion of the New York gaming industry.