By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – Buffalo Sabres owner Tom Golisano says a downtown casino would be a bad thing for the community. Golisano appeared in Buffalo Tuesday to speak out against the Seneca Nation's plans to build a city casino. Golisano says you don't have to search too far to see the negative economic impact a casino could have on a community.
Golisano says he has learned that the Seneca Niagara casino is hurting other local businesses in Niagara Falls. "All I hear is about the number of restaurants and retail establishments that are doing less volume then they were before the casino open. The casino has short of taken over the community relative to the entertainment dollars," said Golisano.
Golisano fears the same impact could occur in downtown Buffalo. He blames government, especially New York State for supporting and benefiting from the casinos.
"Obviously our state government is really taken advantage of this situation and what they are offering the local community, which pays the big price for this, is pretty small in comparison," said Golisano.
The Seneca's already broke ground in the cobblestone district for the casino. It is just up the street from H-S-B-C Arena. Golisano says he's not concerned about how it will effect Sabres business. But he is very worried about people becoming addicted to gambling. Golisano even referred to slots machines as "video crack."
Golisano says the Seneca's filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission indicates that its market draw will be from Buffalo and surrounding suburbs.
"When I read the Seneca's 10-K form, the re-cap of the financial information, that is what got me going. When I saw how much money they are making, and how they are making it, and how it potentially would be hurting the Upstate community, that is what got my attention. When I saw $108 million plus a $27 million distribution, wow, not bad for a four year old business," said Golisano.
Golisano says it may be too late for him to speak out. But he is still planning to lobby local leaders to try and block the casino.
Seneca Nation President Barry Snyder issued a written response. He says the Nation is making a significant investment in Buffalo's Inner Harbor, just as Golisano made his investment in the city.