This past Wednesday, the Seneca Nation was told that their temporary casino in downtown Buffalo, New York could possibly be shut down in as little as five days. The Seneca Nation operates a temporary casino on the lot where they plan to build a $333 million casino and hotel complex.

Back in July, the Seneca Nation had their authority for the temporary casino revoked by United Sates District Judge William M. Skretny. The Judge stated that the decision to allow gambling on the Seneca site was “arbitrary, capricious and not in accordance with the law.” The Seneca’s did not shut down the casino.

On Wednesday afternoon the National Indian Gaming Commission sent a notice of violation to the Seneca Nation for the temporary casino. This came after a letter was sent to the United States attorney’s office by those opposed to the casino. The letter demanded the government do something by 5 pm Wednesday. The notice was then sent right before 5 pm.

The notice give to the Seneca Nation states that the casino is operating under violation of federal law based on Skretny’s ruling. It also states that the violation can be corrected if the Seneca’s close the casino within five days. The Nation may face up to $25,000 a day as a fine for not following the notice and the casino continues to operate.

The Seneca Nation has stated that they will not shut down the casino and will appeal to the Gaming Commission to change their mind on siding with Judge Skretny. “The Seneca Nation, as always, will comply with applicable rulings, but will also exercise the full scope of rights, administratively and judicially,” Seneca Nation President Maurice John said. “We are confident that the nation’s gaming rights will be recognized on our sovereign Buffalo Creek territory for the benefit of the Western New York economy.”

Cornelius D. Murray, the lawyer representing the anti-casino group Citizens for a Better Buffalo, has stated that the group will be watching to see if the Gaming Commission will take action in the five day period.


- 2008-09-05