The Oneida Indian Nation has launched a statewide ad campaign pledging its commitment to responsible gaming and reinvestment in the local community. The pledge covers the tenets of responsible gaming considered essential by the Oneida Nation as New York State considers allowing the expansion of casino gaming.

As New York explores amending the state constitution to legalize Las Vegas-style gambling, the Oneida Nation believes its successful experience in gaming underscores that the commitments it has lived by must be followed in order for the people of New York to benefit from this effort.

In 1993, prior to the opening of Turning Stone Resort Casino, the Oneida Indian Nation made a commitment to the people of New York to use the revenue generated from gaming to reinvest in the long-term prosperity of the region and the state. Now, 20 years later, the Oneida Nation is one of the largest employers in Central New York, with nearly 5,000 workers. The Nation draws nearly four and a half million visitors a year to the community and reinvests hundreds of millions of dollars back into that community by supporting local and state businesses.

Oneida Indian Nation Representative Ray Halbritter said, “The Oneida Nation’s investments into the region are made with the belief that New York State and its leaders will support our growth and development, rather than advance policies that would undermine existing economic development currently benefiting the people of New York. I look forward to working with the state as a resource for responsible gaming as a way to provide a better future for the seventh generation.”

The Oneida Indian Nation Responsible Gaming Pledge outlines in specific terms the Nation’s commitment to stand by the standards it established for responsible gaming.

The pledge includes commitments to support good paying jobs with pensions and healthcare benefits, reinvest the majority of gaming revenue back into the local community, and advance the quality of life in New York’s communities. The Pledge also includes a commitment to support responsible gaming that will attract businesses that are truly invested in local communities and are not making decisions based simply on what’s best for shareholders located outside New York.

The statewide ad campaign has launched along with the web site www.OneidaNationPledge.com.

Below is a text version of the pledge. Attached is the version running as a full-page ad in select
statewide publications.

THE ONEIDA INDIAN NATION
RESPONSIBLE GAMING PLEDGE

In 1993, prior to the opening of our Turning Stone destination resort in Central New York, the Oneida Indian Nation made a commitment to the people of New York to use the revenue generated from gaming to reinvest in the long-term prosperity of our region and the State.

Twenty years later, we are now one of the largest employers in a sixteen county region employing nearly 5,000 workers. We bring more than four and half million visitors a year into our community. Every year we reinvest hundreds of millions of dollars back into the community by supporting local and state businesses.

As New York now explores whether or not to amend the state constitution to legalize Las Vegas-style gambling, the Oneida Nation believes that our successful experience underscores that the commitments we have lived by must be followed in order for the people of New York to benefit for this effort:

The Oneida Indian Nation PLEDGES its continued support for responsible gaming that requires an investment in good-paying jobs with retirement benefits and health care.

The Oneida Indian Nation PLEDGES its continued support for responsible gaming that will keep the majority of the revenue it generates from gaming reinvested into the local community.

The Oneida Indian Nation PLEDGES its continued support for responsible gaming that is consistent with and does not undermine ongoing economic growth.

The Oneida Indian Nation PLEDGES its continued support for responsible gaming that advances the quality of life in New York’s communities.

The Oneida Indian Nation PLEDGES its continued support for responsible gaming that will attract businesses that are truly invested in local communities and are not making decisions based simply on what’s best for shareholders located outside of New York.

The Oneida Indian Nation PLEDGES to all New Yorkers to follow and live by these commitments today and always.


www.OneidaNationPledge.com