Jackpot!
The Shinnecock Indian Nation of Southampton was given preliminary approval for federal recognition yesterday in a landmark ruling that could result in downstate’s first casino.
The designation would permit the 1,066-member tribe to immediately open a Class II gambling facility — which permits bingo and certain slot machines, but no table games — on its ramshackle Southampton reservation.
But Shinnecock sources said the tribe would much prefer to open a full-fledged casino, and will seek to transfer its rights to Aqueduct or Belmont racetracks or vacant land in Riverhead.
“The goal is economic development,” said a tribe source. “We want to do what will benefit the Shinnecock Nation, whatever that is.”
Hamptons officials and residents have strongly opposed the establishment of any gambling venue in an area just blocks from some of Southampton’s most extravagant homes and manicured lawns.
Armed with the threat of constructing a casino on the reservation — which locals complain would clog roads and attract unsavory elements — tribal leaders are hoping for support from East End officials for their plan to move it west.
The tribe sparked an East End firestorm in 2003 when it symbolically broke ground on a gaming facility on its 800-acre reservation.
“The fact of the matter is that the Shinnecocks don’t want gaming on the reservation and neither do local residents,” said Assemblyman Fred Thiele (R-Sag Harbor).
“They are looking for a site up west off the reservation. The question is whether there is a community that will support a casino.”
Sources said yesterday’s ruling touched off celebrations at the Shinnecock administrative offices in Southampton.
“We have been stepped on around here forever,” said a tribe member.
“Look around us. We have $20 million homes around the corner but our kids can’t get basic jobs. Not anymore. We fought for this, and we deserve this.”
The tribe may also try to use its newfound empowerment as leverage in other ongoing disputes with local and state jurisdictions over massive land claims and the controversial sale of untaxed tobacco.
While the Shinnecocks have been pushing for federal recognition since 1978, they intensified their efforts in recent years.
They are currently represented by Michael McKeon, the former press secretary for former Gov. George Pataki.