No talks about a Rochester casino, Cuomo says

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he has had no talks about reopening the gaming compact with the Seneca Nation of Indians to include a Rochester-area casino.

The western New York tribe is actively looking at sites for a casino in suburban Henrietta, Monroe County, despite opposition from residents.

"I have not talked to anyone about reopening the compacts, which you know are very complicated," Cuomo told reporters today in Rochester.

Cuomo reached an agreement with three Native American tribes last year for exclusive gaming rights in western, central and northern New York. The move let the state move forward with plans for four privately owned casinos in the Southern Tier, Catskills and Albany area.

The sites for those casinos will likely be decided this fall.

But the Senecas have exclusive gaming rights in western New York, including the Rochester area, and are eager to move into the eastern part of their territory.

Cuomo, though, gave no indication that he's exploring a casino in Rochester, which would need state and federal approval.

"It hasn't been discussed. Anything can happen theoretically in life, but other than that, no," he said.