Shinnecock tribe angles for off-territory casino space

While the Shinnecock tribe cleared the first step toward federal recognition this week, they still have a long, circuitous path to achieve approval to build and operate casinos outside of their prescribed territory adjacent to Southampton, according to Crain’s. But the space that the Shinnecock occupy, a small territory on the Hamptons’ seaside, would be ill-suited for a casino, according to Fred Bess, a Shinnecock trustee. He said that his tribe is looking outside the region for casino building opportunities. “I don’t feel the type of facility we’re envisioning would be right for eastern Long Island,” Bess said. Proposed sites for the casino include nearby sites off of the Shinnecock territory, including Calverton in Suffolk County and the Belmont Park horse racing track in Nassau County.

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