Opening dates, safety protocols to be announced in coming days
ALLEGANY TERRITORY, SALAMANCA, N.Y. – The Seneca Nation has directed the management teams at Seneca Gaming & Entertainment and Seneca Gaming Corporation to finalize reopening plans for all of the Nation’s Class II and Class III gaming operations, which will return their valued employees to work and help drive Western New York’s economic recovery.
The Nation will start a phased, multi-week reopening process in early June. Details on specific property opening dates and safety protocols will be announced by the respective gaming companies in the coming days, following final approval by the Seneca Nation.
“Over the past two months, we have taken extraordinary steps to protect the health and safety of our territories, our people, our workers and our guests,” said Seneca Nation President Rickey Armstrong, Sr. “The Seneca Nation’s gaming operations are an important economic driver for the Seneca people, Western New York and the statewide economy. We are committed to a measured and responsible process that balances our economic sovereignty and our commitment to ensure a safe, healthy and enjoyable environment for all workers and visitors at our properties.”
The Nation’s reopening directive applies to its Class II Seneca Gaming & Entertainment sites in Irving, Salamanca and Cuba, as well as the Class III Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino, and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino properties operated by Seneca Gaming Corporation. The Nation ordered the temporary suspension of all gaming operations on March 16 as part of the widespread COVID-19 response measures across all Seneca territories.
The Nation and its gaming enterprises will implement comprehensive safety protocols informed by public health guidance and industry best practices that will exceed those of many other facilities and businesses. This will include, but will not be limited to, temperature screening for all workers and guests upon arrival, personal protective equipment standards for all workers, the required use of masks by workers and patrons, controlled social distancing, and enhanced sanitation procedures at all properties.
It is anticipated that the gaming facilities will initially reopen at reduced capacity.
“Reopening the properties in phases will allow us to keep a close eye on how each individual facility responds and to make any necessary adjustments as we ramp up to full operations,” President Armstrong said. “We’re eager to open our doors, but safety will remain our guiding principle through these all-important first steps.”
The Seneca Nation’s gaming operations collectively employ more than 4,000 workers from across Western New York and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in local payroll and economic activity with vendors throughout the region and across the state. Seneca Gaming & Entertainment and Seneca Gaming Corporation look forward to returning their respective employees to work and enabling them to contribute to the local and statewide economic recovery.
“Suspending business activity on our territories was a difficult, but necessary decision,” President Armstrong said. “We are excited to welcome our employees back and to provide world-class service to our guests again.”
