Buffalo Creek Casino remains open

"The litigation is not final. All district court decisions are subject to appeal," John said. "The Seneca Nation has faced many challenges to our progress in our 1,000-year struggle of survival. This is but another. I am confident that we will be successful in achieving the destiny of the Seneca people."

U.S. District Judge William Skretny acknowledged the 9-acre casino site qualifies as “Indian lands” under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, but since it was purchased by the tribe in 2005 and not a land claim, it does not qualify for gaming.

The Seneca have hired Laurence Tribe, a U.S. Supreme Court scholar, for consultation and guidance as the tribe considers its legal recourses.

Return to New York Casinos.