The Seneca Nation of New York has no plans to close an off-reservation casino even after a federal judge ruled it was illegal. The tribe opened the temporary Buffalo Creek Casino on nine acres in downtown Buffalo. The site was taken into trust after the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988. IGRA bars gaming on lands acquired after 1988. But it contains an exception for lands taken into trust pursuant to a land claim settlement. The National Indian Gaming Commission said the tribe met the exception, citing an act of Congress that settled the tribe's claims. Judge William M. Skretny, however, said the law did not authorize a casino in a 127-page ruling issued yesterday. Gaming opponents called on the state to seek immediate closure of the facility. The tribe is building a $333 million permanent casino. Get the Story:
Judge rules against Seneca casinos on land in downtown Buffalo (The Buffalo News 7/9)
Judge rules against Seneca casino (AP 7/9)
Senecas: Ruling won't close Buffalo casino (Business First of Buffalo 7/8) An Opinion:
Editorial: All bets are off (The Buffalo News 7/9)