Seneca Nation opens controversial off-reservation casino in temporary facility; for now

7.03.07


SENECAS OPEN TEMPORARY CASINO
IN COBBLESTONE DISTRICT

By Sharon Linstedt
News Staff Reporter

The Seneca Nation of Indians made a surprise opening of its temporary casino in Buffalo's Cobblestone District shortly after 8 this morning, acting without authority from a federal judge who had temporarily halted the controversial gambling site.

The small blue building, marked "CASINO" in understated lettering on its exterior, came alive with the blinking and beeping of some 119 slot machines, marking a moment the Senecas have dreamed of since 2002.

"I'm elated over this day," said Barry E. Snyder Sr., chairman of Seneca Gaming Corp. "This casino is maybe small, but it's a big step for what we want to do in the City of Buffalo."

Seneca Nation Treasurer Kevin Seneca made the first official recorded bet shortly after 8 a.m., dropping a penny into a slot machine.

The Senecas say they expect that casino opponents will immediately move to close the casino.

"I expect they were ready for this day," said Barry Brandon,... (Complete Story)