© 2024 WRVO Public Media
NPR News for Central New York
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Seneca Casino Close to Approval

By Elizabeth Christensen

Niagara Falls, NY – The U.S. Department of the Interior is expected to approve a Seneca-run casino in Nigara Falls in the next few days.

The green light would be the last major legal hurdle the tribe must clear to open a temporary casino on December 31.

Several anti-gambling groups have filed lawsuits protesting the project, but legal experts say those suits will not pose a serious challenge to the casino's approval.

State and regional officials hope the Seneca Casino will be a cash cow for the Buffalo Niagara region. They also hope the casino will keep residents and tourists from crossing the border and gambling at Casino Niagara on the Canadian side of the falls.