County pursuing action against Cayuga Nation for tobacco sales
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Despite losing a court case, the Cayuga County District Attorney is still trying to go after the Cayuga Nation of New York for selling tobacco.
The state's highest court ruled that the county lacked jurisdiction at the tribe's two smoke shops. On Monday. the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Gould v. Cayuga Indian Nation of New York.
But the district attorney has secured three sealed indictments against the tribe. They apparently address allegations that the tribe participated in wholesale distribution of tobacco -- whereas the Gould case centered on retail sales.
STORY TAKEN FROM www.indianz.com
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
LAND INTO TRUST FOR MASHPEE WAMPANOAGS AT FALL RIVER?
Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe working on new casino deal with city
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is reportedly working on a new casino deal with the city of Fall River, Massachusetts.
The tribe wants to use a 300-acre site in the city for a casino. The purchase price would be $21 million.
Mayor Will Flanagan supports the casino but a deal hasn't been finalized. Some new information will reportedly be presented this week.
The tribe has already amended a pending land-into-trust application to include the Fall River site.
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is reportedly working on a new casino deal with the city of Fall River, Massachusetts.
The tribe wants to use a 300-acre site in the city for a casino. The purchase price would be $21 million.
Mayor Will Flanagan supports the casino but a deal hasn't been finalized. Some new information will reportedly be presented this week.
The tribe has already amended a pending land-into-trust application to include the Fall River site.
FOXWOODS GIVES OUT MILLIONS IN PROMOTION EVENTS
Mashantucket Tribe paid out $6M during gaming promotion event
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
A promotion by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut resulted in a $6 million payout to frequent customers, The Boston Herald reported.
The Foxwoods Resort Casino allowed holders of the "Dream Card" to redeem one dollar for one point, up to a total of $1,000. Normally, each point is worth only 50 cents, the paper said.
The promotion resulted in long lines, parking problems and other hassles at the casino. So the tribe has postponed six future trade-in dates and will lower the redeemable amount 50 cents.
“The good news is we gave away millions to happy Dream Card holders,” spokesperson Lori Potter told the Herald. “The bad news is that we had customer service issues like really long lines, capacity limits in some areas of the casino and parking problems.”
STORY FROM www.indianz.com
How much money did the Mohegan Sun give out during the same period? What do you think?
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
A promotion by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut resulted in a $6 million payout to frequent customers, The Boston Herald reported.
The Foxwoods Resort Casino allowed holders of the "Dream Card" to redeem one dollar for one point, up to a total of $1,000. Normally, each point is worth only 50 cents, the paper said.
The promotion resulted in long lines, parking problems and other hassles at the casino. So the tribe has postponed six future trade-in dates and will lower the redeemable amount 50 cents.
“The good news is we gave away millions to happy Dream Card holders,” spokesperson Lori Potter told the Herald. “The bad news is that we had customer service issues like really long lines, capacity limits in some areas of the casino and parking problems.”
STORY FROM www.indianz.com
How much money did the Mohegan Sun give out during the same period? What do you think?
Thursday, September 16, 2010
HOW MANY WORKERS AT MOHEGAN SUN LET GO?
September 16, 2010
Etess: Mohegan job cuts done for now
By Brian Hallenbeck
Publication: The Day
Reeling from the 355 layoffs announced the previous day and another month of declining slot-machine revenue, Mohegan Sun's president and chief executive officer said Wednesday the casino isn't planning further job cuts.
Mitchell Etess, asked about widespread rumors that hundreds of additional layoffs would take place in upcoming months, said this week's downsizing should prove sufficient provided economic conditions do not worsen substantially.
Mohegan Sun announced Tuesday it was eliminating 475 positions, a move that will leave 355 employees without jobs. Some 120 workers whose positions were eliminated will transition into other jobs at the casino.
"I can only say that no more layoffs are planned as of now," Etess said. "We believe the reductions we've made are sufficient to meet our plans and we will be fine moving forward. That having been said, who knows how bad the economy will be in the distant future?
"We wanted to do this as quick as possible and begin the healing as soon as possible," Etess said of the layoffs. "It would be imprudent to put people through this again. That would have no value to anybody."
From a business standpoint, it would make little sense to lay off employees in waves, Etess said. "If we thought there were additional savings to be achieved (through more layoffs), we'd be saving it as soon as possible," he added.
Mohegan Sun reported Wednesday that it "won" $67 million at its slot machines in August, 2.8 percent less than during the same month in 2009. Foxwoods Resort Casino, including MGM Grand at Foxwoods, reported an August win of $59.2 million, down 6.3 percent.
A month ago, the casinos had reported slight year-over-year increases in their July wins, the first time both had recorded gains in the same month since May 2008.
The uptick, however, turned out to be a one-month reprieve from the revenue declines that have dogged much of the casino industry for more than two years. Atlantic City's 11 casinos reported a combined 11.3 percent decline in August slots revenue.
Etess noted that while the July calendar was more favorable in 2010 than 2009 because it had one more weekend day, the opposite was true in August, which had one fewer weekend day in 2010 than 2009.
"As we said last month, it's better to look at the two months combined, where we're down half a percent - that's almost flat," he said.
At the Foxwoods casinos, traffic was noticeably down in August compared to July, particularly in the last two weeks of the month, according to Robert Victoria, Foxwoods' chief marketing officer.
"July was just a phenomenal month for Connecticut casinos," Victoria said. "I can't really explain what happened in August. We had a very aggressive calendar for the month, as did Mohegan Sun. The month started well, then turned quickly."
Foxwoods is hoping two new attractions will boost volume in the coming weeks and months. High Rollers, a luxury bowling lounge, opens Friday in the Grand Pequot Tower, and Comix, a stand-up comedy club, is set to debut Oct. 7 on the Great Cedar Concourse in space formerly occupied by The Club.
The slots figures released Wednesday show $8.1 million in free-play coupons were redeemed at Foxwoods slots last month, while $5.8 million in free-play credits were played at Mohegan Sun. Foxwoods' "handle" - the total amount wagered at its 6,741 machines - totaled $721.8 million, down 3.2 percent over August 2009. Mohegan Sun's handle of $892.3 million, wagered at 6,405 machines, was up 11.9 percent.
Mohegan Sun forwarded $17.3 million of its slots win to the state Division of Special Revenue; Foxwoods' contribution was $16 million.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: HOW MUCH MONEY IN SALARY AND BONUS IS THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CASINO AND THE MOHEGAN TRIBAL COUNCIL GOING TO TAKE FROM THEMSELVES? Who caused this mess? What do you think?
Is there any truth to the Lost Tribes (smoke free area in Earth Casino) is being removed and a bowling alley is being put in? Is that true? What do you think?
;
Etess: Mohegan job cuts done for now
By Brian Hallenbeck
Publication: The Day
Reeling from the 355 layoffs announced the previous day and another month of declining slot-machine revenue, Mohegan Sun's president and chief executive officer said Wednesday the casino isn't planning further job cuts.
Mitchell Etess, asked about widespread rumors that hundreds of additional layoffs would take place in upcoming months, said this week's downsizing should prove sufficient provided economic conditions do not worsen substantially.
Mohegan Sun announced Tuesday it was eliminating 475 positions, a move that will leave 355 employees without jobs. Some 120 workers whose positions were eliminated will transition into other jobs at the casino.
"I can only say that no more layoffs are planned as of now," Etess said. "We believe the reductions we've made are sufficient to meet our plans and we will be fine moving forward. That having been said, who knows how bad the economy will be in the distant future?
"We wanted to do this as quick as possible and begin the healing as soon as possible," Etess said of the layoffs. "It would be imprudent to put people through this again. That would have no value to anybody."
From a business standpoint, it would make little sense to lay off employees in waves, Etess said. "If we thought there were additional savings to be achieved (through more layoffs), we'd be saving it as soon as possible," he added.
Mohegan Sun reported Wednesday that it "won" $67 million at its slot machines in August, 2.8 percent less than during the same month in 2009. Foxwoods Resort Casino, including MGM Grand at Foxwoods, reported an August win of $59.2 million, down 6.3 percent.
A month ago, the casinos had reported slight year-over-year increases in their July wins, the first time both had recorded gains in the same month since May 2008.
The uptick, however, turned out to be a one-month reprieve from the revenue declines that have dogged much of the casino industry for more than two years. Atlantic City's 11 casinos reported a combined 11.3 percent decline in August slots revenue.
Etess noted that while the July calendar was more favorable in 2010 than 2009 because it had one more weekend day, the opposite was true in August, which had one fewer weekend day in 2010 than 2009.
"As we said last month, it's better to look at the two months combined, where we're down half a percent - that's almost flat," he said.
At the Foxwoods casinos, traffic was noticeably down in August compared to July, particularly in the last two weeks of the month, according to Robert Victoria, Foxwoods' chief marketing officer.
"July was just a phenomenal month for Connecticut casinos," Victoria said. "I can't really explain what happened in August. We had a very aggressive calendar for the month, as did Mohegan Sun. The month started well, then turned quickly."
Foxwoods is hoping two new attractions will boost volume in the coming weeks and months. High Rollers, a luxury bowling lounge, opens Friday in the Grand Pequot Tower, and Comix, a stand-up comedy club, is set to debut Oct. 7 on the Great Cedar Concourse in space formerly occupied by The Club.
The slots figures released Wednesday show $8.1 million in free-play coupons were redeemed at Foxwoods slots last month, while $5.8 million in free-play credits were played at Mohegan Sun. Foxwoods' "handle" - the total amount wagered at its 6,741 machines - totaled $721.8 million, down 3.2 percent over August 2009. Mohegan Sun's handle of $892.3 million, wagered at 6,405 machines, was up 11.9 percent.
Mohegan Sun forwarded $17.3 million of its slots win to the state Division of Special Revenue; Foxwoods' contribution was $16 million.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: HOW MUCH MONEY IN SALARY AND BONUS IS THE MANAGEMENT OF THE CASINO AND THE MOHEGAN TRIBAL COUNCIL GOING TO TAKE FROM THEMSELVES? Who caused this mess? What do you think?
Is there any truth to the Lost Tribes (smoke free area in Earth Casino) is being removed and a bowling alley is being put in? Is that true? What do you think?
;
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
COURT LIFTS INJUCTION AGAINST NEW YORK SO IT CAN BEGIN CHARGING TAXES ON SOME TRIBES
New York court lifts injunction against state's tobacco tax effort
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A court in New York cleared the way for the state to impose a tobacco tax on the reservation as litigation continued in federal court.
The state did not say whether it would immediately start forcing wholesalers that supply tobacco to tribes to pay the tax. But tribes are expected to appeal the decision.
The state court ruling does not apply to the Seneca Nation and the Cayuga Nation Both tribes have a temporary restraining order in federal court that has been extended to September 28.
The Seneca Nation was back in federal court on Tuesday to present more arguments in the case. The tribe collected $45 million in fees for tobacco sales on the reservation to fund governmental services, an attorney said.
Separately, the Oneida Nation and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe have filed lawsuits against the state in federal court. The Oneidas say they will ask for an injunction to block the tobacco tax.
STORY TAKEN FROM www.indianz.com
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; Brokenwing has been told that the layoffs at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut come to about 1500 workers in the food and beverage departments alone. Is this true? How will this affect the remaining workers? What will happen next? What do you think?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
A court in New York cleared the way for the state to impose a tobacco tax on the reservation as litigation continued in federal court.
The state did not say whether it would immediately start forcing wholesalers that supply tobacco to tribes to pay the tax. But tribes are expected to appeal the decision.
The state court ruling does not apply to the Seneca Nation and the Cayuga Nation Both tribes have a temporary restraining order in federal court that has been extended to September 28.
The Seneca Nation was back in federal court on Tuesday to present more arguments in the case. The tribe collected $45 million in fees for tobacco sales on the reservation to fund governmental services, an attorney said.
Separately, the Oneida Nation and the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe have filed lawsuits against the state in federal court. The Oneidas say they will ask for an injunction to block the tobacco tax.
STORY TAKEN FROM www.indianz.com
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE; Brokenwing has been told that the layoffs at the Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Connecticut come to about 1500 workers in the food and beverage departments alone. Is this true? How will this affect the remaining workers? What will happen next? What do you think?
Friday, September 10, 2010
KERRY BACKS MASHPEE WAMPANOAG CASINO BID
Sen. Kerry promises support for Mashpee Wampanoag casino bid
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Sen. John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) said he will support a casino for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.
Kerry promised to help after meeting Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan, who is pushing for the casino. "It doesn't make sense to have Massachusetts residents traveling to other states to do what we could be doing here, which would provide a job base for our community," Kerry said of the tribe's proposal, WPRI-TV reported.
The tribe has amended its land-into-trust application to include a 300-acre site in Fall River. Flanagan said members of Congress are writing the Interior Department to support the casino.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: Story taken from www.indianz.com
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Sen. John Kerry (D-Massachusetts) said he will support a casino for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.
Kerry promised to help after meeting Fall River Mayor Will Flanagan, who is pushing for the casino. "It doesn't make sense to have Massachusetts residents traveling to other states to do what we could be doing here, which would provide a job base for our community," Kerry said of the tribe's proposal, WPRI-TV reported.
The tribe has amended its land-into-trust application to include a 300-acre site in Fall River. Flanagan said members of Congress are writing the Interior Department to support the casino.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: Story taken from www.indianz.com
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
ARE MOHEGANS AN ECONOMIC ENGINE FOR PENNSYLVANIA?
Mohegan Tribe makes economic impact with Pennsylvania casino
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut opened a gaming facility in Pennsylvania in 2006 and local businesses say it has had a positive effect on the economy.
The Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs has about 2,500 slot machines, 82 table games, a racetrack, 10 restaurants and two bars. Nearby restaurants and hotels say the facility brings in more patrons to their businesses.
"People from Connecticut stay here," the manager of an area hotel told The Scranon Times-Tribune. "They refer customers to our hotel. It's a partnership that will continue. They have contractors who have stayed here as well as slot technicians, so it's a wonderful thing."
A real estate developer is planning a new retail and office building in response to increased traffic in the area.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: It is good to hear the merchants are doing well from the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. However, is the Mohegan Tribe making anything from the casino? How could you make money with the taxes the state and local governments are getting? What do you think?
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut opened a gaming facility in Pennsylvania in 2006 and local businesses say it has had a positive effect on the economy.
The Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs has about 2,500 slot machines, 82 table games, a racetrack, 10 restaurants and two bars. Nearby restaurants and hotels say the facility brings in more patrons to their businesses.
"People from Connecticut stay here," the manager of an area hotel told The Scranon Times-Tribune. "They refer customers to our hotel. It's a partnership that will continue. They have contractors who have stayed here as well as slot technicians, so it's a wonderful thing."
A real estate developer is planning a new retail and office building in response to increased traffic in the area.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: It is good to hear the merchants are doing well from the Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs. However, is the Mohegan Tribe making anything from the casino? How could you make money with the taxes the state and local governments are getting? What do you think?
Sunday, September 5, 2010
COURT HEARING SEPTEMBER 9 ON TOBACCO TAXES IN NEW YORK
New York judge blocks state from imposing tobacco tax on tribes
Thursday, September 2, 2010
An appellate court judge in New York blocked the state from imposing a tobacco tax on reservations but Gov. David Paterson (D) said he would appeal.
The state is forcing wholesalers who sell tobacco to tribal retailers to pay the tax up front. That essentially forces tribes to collect the tax on the sale of tobacco to non-Indians.
On Tuesday, a federal judge put the law on hold for the Seneca Nation and the Cayuga Nation. The appellate court judge said the rest of the tribes can continue to sell tax-free tobacco until a September 9 hearing.
At $4.35 a pack, New York's tobacco tax is the highest in the nation.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: Story taken from www.indianz.com
Thursday, September 2, 2010
An appellate court judge in New York blocked the state from imposing a tobacco tax on reservations but Gov. David Paterson (D) said he would appeal.
The state is forcing wholesalers who sell tobacco to tribal retailers to pay the tax up front. That essentially forces tribes to collect the tax on the sale of tobacco to non-Indians.
On Tuesday, a federal judge put the law on hold for the Seneca Nation and the Cayuga Nation. The appellate court judge said the rest of the tribes can continue to sell tax-free tobacco until a September 9 hearing.
At $4.35 a pack, New York's tobacco tax is the highest in the nation.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: Story taken from www.indianz.com
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
WHAT WILL HAPPEN IN NEW YORK TODAY?
Deadline looms for tribes in New York over state tobacco taxes
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Starting on Wednesday, the state of New York will impose a tobacco tax on reservations unless a federal judge takes action.
Wholesalers that sell tobacco to tribal retailers must prepay the state's tax. The plan essentially forces tribal retailers to collect the state's tax on tobacco sold to non-Indians.
Tobacco sold to tribal members will remain tax-free. The state gets to determine how much each tribal retailer gets, based on U.S. Census Bureau data on reservations.
Tribes say the plan violates their sovereignty, their regulatory systems and their treaties. But a federal judge so far has declined to block the state from imposing the tax.
The state's tobacco tax is the highest in the nation. Non-Indian smokers have been flocking to reservations to buy cigarettes before tomorrow's deadline.
The Seneca Nation, the Oneida Nation and the Onondaga Nation say they will drop big tobacco brands and sell Indian brands as a result of the plan. The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe also says it might stop selling big name tobacco.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: Story taken from www.indianz.com
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Starting on Wednesday, the state of New York will impose a tobacco tax on reservations unless a federal judge takes action.
Wholesalers that sell tobacco to tribal retailers must prepay the state's tax. The plan essentially forces tribal retailers to collect the state's tax on tobacco sold to non-Indians.
Tobacco sold to tribal members will remain tax-free. The state gets to determine how much each tribal retailer gets, based on U.S. Census Bureau data on reservations.
Tribes say the plan violates their sovereignty, their regulatory systems and their treaties. But a federal judge so far has declined to block the state from imposing the tax.
The state's tobacco tax is the highest in the nation. Non-Indian smokers have been flocking to reservations to buy cigarettes before tomorrow's deadline.
The Seneca Nation, the Oneida Nation and the Onondaga Nation say they will drop big tobacco brands and sell Indian brands as a result of the plan. The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe also says it might stop selling big name tobacco.
EDITORIAL FOOTNOTE: Story taken from www.indianz.com
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