A federal judge plans to issue a ruling by July 8 in a lawsuit that questions the legality of the Seneca Nation's off-reservation casino in Buffalo, New York.
In January 2007, Judge William M. Skretny ruled that the National Indian Gaming Commission failed to determine whether the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino met the definition of "Indian lands" under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The NIGC subsequently said the 9-acre site qualified for an exception in Section 20 of IGRA.
The tribe purchased the site with funds that were authorized by the Seneca Nation Land Claims Settlement Act. Section 20 of IGRA allows gaming for tribes with land claim settlements.
The tribe has been operating a temporary facility on the site since July 2007. The $333 million permanent facility is set to open in 2010.
Get the Story:Judge nearing decision on suit to block Seneca casino in Buffalo (The Buffalo News 6/30)