By Eileen Buckley
Buffalo, NY – The Seneca Nation of Indians opened its downtown Buffalo casino Tuesday morning.
A federal judge in Buffalo had placed a temporary hold on an opening because of a lawsuit by casino opponents. But Seneca Gaming Corporation spokesman Phil Pantano says the Seneca's received a five-page letter Monday from the National Indian Gaming Commission that satisfies the federal court order.
Pantano says crews worked through out the night to set up 124-slot machines at Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino.
WBFO spoke to local casino opponent Joel Rose. He is with the group Citizens Against Casino Gambling in Erie County. Rose was not surprised by the Senecas' move. He says despite the opening, it is not consider a major disappointment, just a minor one.
"It really doesn't change anything. This is what our attorneys told us was the likely scenario. we will now return to court, and we have a couple of actions going in the local courts," said Rose.
Rose says casino opponents expect to prevail against the city casino.