SALAMANCA, N.Y. – Members of the Seneca Nation of Indians, in a non-binding referendum held Sept. 9, overwhelmingly approved the construction of a Class III casino at the tribe’s Allegany reservation.
According to tribal clerk Sheila Kettle, a total of 1,137 members voted, with 811 votes in favor and 326 against. Breaking down the vote by reservation, 352 voted “yes” with 130 opposed at the Allegany reservation, while at the tribe’s other major reservation, Cattaraugus, 459 voted “yes” and 196 voted “no.”
The referendum, not required under the Senecas’ current gaming compact with New York state, was advisory in nature and held so the tribal leadership might gauge potential support for a reservation casino.
In a May 14, 2002 referendum, Seneca voters narrowly approved the gaming compact that led to the tribe’s first gaming venture, the Seneca-Niagara Casino in Niagara Falls, N.Y. In that ballot, just over 2,000 of the tribe’s 4,500 eligible members approved the compact by a 101-vote margin. Ironically, Senecas voting at Allegany narrowly turned down that compact.
The financial success of the Seneca-Niagara Casino and the subsequent revenue stream created for tribal education, health care, housing and other programs certainly seem to have influenced tribal members who took the time to vote. Although vocal and organized opposition to casino gaming remains active within the Seneca Nation, largely under the auspices of a group called the Senecas for Preservation and Justice, tribal members apparently favor the promise of economic development.
Under its compact, the 7,100-member Seneca Nation is authorized to open three casinos in western New York. Officials in the City of Buffalo had hoped to attract the second Seneca casino, but the city and the tribe could not agree on a suitable site. The tribe is currently looking at possible locations for its second casino in the suburban Erie County town of Cheektowaga, but has not made a formal commitment to the town. Officials from other municipalities in the area, including Clarence, Depew and Lancaster, are opposed to a casino within their boundaries.
Located in southwestern New York state adjacent to the Pennsylvania border, a gaming center at Allegany developed into a “destination resort” could attract visitors from northwestern Pennsylvania and eastern Ohio. Neither of these states permits casino gaming, forcing potential gamblers to travel to Detroit, Niagara Falls, Ontario or the Seneca-Niagara to visit the nearest casinos. The nearby Allegany State Park would be a complementary draw for tourists.
The Allegany casino could open in late 2004 and may create up to 2,000 jobs. With the strong possibility of delays in sitting the Erie County casino, the Allegany facility could well end up being the tribe’s second gaming center.
