by: Gene Koprowski.
A motion filed by anti-gambling zealots is scheduled for a brief hearing next month before U.S. District Court Judge William Skretny in Buffalo. The activists want the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino shut down.
Skretny ordered the hearing after Citizens Against Casino Gambling in Erie County filed motions seeking to shutter the temporary Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino.
There\'s not much chance of the zealots winning. Two weeks ago, Judge Skretny ruled the nine-acre parcel along South Park Avenue the Seneca Nation of Indians acquired more than two years ago is sovereign territory.
The judge, however, did not issue a cease-and-desist order forcing Seneca Gaming Corp, the casino gaming arm of the Seneca Nation, to stop operations.
The Senecas were granted the rights to operate the casino on the site in July 2007 by the National Indian Gaming Commission.
Tribal officials have repeatedly said it remains "business as usual" and the slots-only 7,000-square-foot casino remains open while construction on the $333 million permanent Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino continues. The permanent casino is slated to open in 18 months.
"Our position has been to always follow the lead of our owners, the Seneca Nation of Indians," said Phil Pantano, Seneca Gaming spokesman. "Until such time that the Nation tells us differently, it will be business as usual."
The Citizens Against Casino Gambling in Erie County have asked Skretny to force U.S. Marshals to close down the casino if the Seneca Nation and the National Indian Gaming Commission does not agree with them.
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