How Is Temp. Casino Affecting Buffalo?

Reporter

Created: 4/11/2008 9:30:45 PM
Updated: 4/11/2008 9:34:19 PM


"There's just an excitement that progress is happening in downtown Buffalo," said Phil Pantano from Seneca Gaming.

Buffalo's temporary casino opened last July. Seneca Gaming says the crowds have been strong since the very beginning, but the increasing numbers are nothing compared to the projections they have for when the permanent casino opens in two years.

"Somewhere between three and four million people every year, plus one-thousand workers," said Pantano.

Construction for the new facility continues, but 2 On Your Side wanted to find out if businesses near the temporary casino are being affected.

"It does bring more people down but we haven't seen a big draw from the casino yet," said Jay Whitney of W.J. Morrissey Irish Pub.

W.J. Morrissey is the main tenant in the cobblestone district. Managers there are looking forward to the $333 million permanent casino. But even before the doors open, there are some reservations.

"When the new casino goes up, I'm sure they'll be restaurants in there and ATM machines," said Whitney. "All you will need is your wallet and you're set to go."

That's why Morrissey's is depending on another group of people to help increase business.

"I'm sure there will have tons of employees and they're going to want to get out of there when they're done and that will be our draw," Whitney told 2 On Your Side.

For now, there are no major changes to the downtown scene. And there's no telling how or if a mega-casino will dramatically change things.
Until then;

"The more people that come down here better," said Whitney. "Anything to bring people down has a positive effect on us."



WGRZ-TV


Visit Us Today at Online Casino Action.net