The arbitration proceedings have officially begun to solve a dispute between New York State and the Seneca Nation of Indians over casino revenue sharing.

A spokesperson for the Nation said the hearing in New York City began Wednesday and could be finished as soon as Thursday. However, the three-person arbitration panel will set its own time frame to reach a decision so it's possible there may not be a final resolution until sometime next year.

The Seneca Nation has given the state, on average, about $125 million annually as part of the revenue sharing agreement. The compact renewed through 2023 but payments to the state were only specifically spelled out through the first 14 years. The Senecas said they no longer owe anything. The state argued the continued payments were implied and the gaming exclusivity given to the Senecas would make no sense if they're not paying.

Each side picked an arbitrator earlier this year. The Senecas went with University of New Mexico law professor Kevin Washburn, while the state chose Henry Gutman, who also represented New York during the last arbitration between the two parties in 2013. Those two arbitrators picked the third member of the panel, although who that person is remains unclear. Neither the Senecas nor the state provided Spectrum News with a formal comment about the proceedings Wednesday.