BUFFALO, NY— The Seneca Nation of Indians narrowly approved a deal May 14 with the State of New York that could bring Indian-run casinos to Niagara Falls and Buffalo. The vote on the Nations Cattaraugus and Allegany reservations south of Buffalo was 1,077-976. Seneca President Cyrus Schindler Jr. said the Nation hoped to open its first temporary casino in the Niagara Falls Convention and Civic Center before the end of the year. It would be the second Indian-run casino in the state, where casino gambling otherwise is prohibited. Turning Stone Casino, 30 miles east of Syracuse, operated by the Oneida Indian Nation, was the first. It opened in 1993. The new casino would compete with the highly successful Canadian casino— Casino Niagara, which opened in 1996 and sparked a boom in the real estate and hotel construction in the tourist area near the Falls. Gov. George Pataki has promised to sign a casino pact with the Senecas, but several other hurdles must be cleared before the dice start rolling in Niagara Falls. The agreement must get federal approval, and complications over land purchases and unionization must be resolved. Meanwhile, gambling opponents on and off the Seneca reservations have promised to challenge the vote in court. SOURCE: Reuters
Previous ArticleRamada International Enters Management Business
Next Article Shilo Inns To Sell Eight Properties