Gamblers are wondering how much longer they can roll the dice at the Seneca’s temporary casino in Downtown Buffalo.

Senior Correspondent Rich Newberg has the latest as the National Indian Gaming Commission responds to a court ruling against the Senecas.

Patrons are still filing in and out of the Seneca Nation’s temporary casino at Michigan and Perry, even as the National Indian Gaming Commission said the operation is in violation of Federal law.

U.S. District Judge William Skretny has already ruled gambling on this particular site in Buffalo illegal, and the Indian Gaming Commission was obligated to issue a notice of violation.

Anti-Casino Lead Attorney Neil Murray said, “They just can’t sit there and allow it to continue. Otherwise, they risk the rath of Judge Skretny, who keeps closing the door a little tighter. He closed the door, now he turned the knob, and he’s about to put the key in and lock it.”

So far, no one has turned the key, not the judge or the Gaming Commission.

The Seneca’s quickly filed an appeal with the Commission, which could trigger a two or three-month review of the case, and it is possible the casino could remain opened during that review.

Many patrons believe they should have the right to spend their money any way they see fit.

Those opposed to casino gambling in Erie County believe the odds are turning in their favor.

Citizens Against Casino Gambling in Erie County Joel Rose said, “We fully expect them to comply with the judge’s order. Eventually the only place that that can lead is to close down the casino. The casino is an illegal operation.”

They could force the closing of the temporary casino and also impose fines of $25,000 a day, if the Seneca’s do not shut it down.

They could also let it stay opened until the appeal is reviewed.

This entry was posted on Saturday, September 6th, 2008 at 1:16 pm and is filed under Online Gambling. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.