BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Seneca Nation has now opened two of its three casinos after gaming operations were shut down due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino in Niagara Falls was the first to open on June 18. Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in downtown Buffalo follow on Thursday. Finally, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino on July 2.
The Nation’s Class II gaming sites in Irving, Salamanca and Cuba also opened at limited capacity on June 18.
All of the locations will be operating under strict health and safety guidelines, at limited capacity as well as with reduced hours of operation. The facilities will require that everyone wears a mask, have limited slot machines, no table games and minimal food and beverage service and seating.
No alcohol will be served at any of the facilities upon reopening. The facility will be open from 10 a.m. to 2 a.m. daily.
“After being closed for nearly three months, we are now ready to move forward with the safe, responsible and systematic reopening of our gaming facilities,” Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong, Sr. said. “This is a signature moment in our region’s economic recovery from the circumstances that arose as a result of this unprecedented public health crisis.”
Seneca Resorts said the hotels and spas will remain closed. Most restaurants will remain closed, but Morrie's will provide grab-n-go options. Blues Burger will offer grab-and-go options and limited sit down dining. Odds & Ends will be the only retail shop available and no counter service will be available to The Sports Lounge.
There will also be no smoking inside. Instead there will be designated smoking areas outside the building.
The reopening is also good news for the nearly 4,000 returning workers employed by the nation across the region.
Watch a video message by President Armstrong, Sr. here.
