Seneca Nation Billboard Cause of Controversy

Seneca Nation of Indians has raised a brand-new digital billboard in downtown Buffalo, which now soars high over the company’s currently opened Seneca One Stop gas station, Dunkin’ Donuts site, and convenience store. The enormous sign did not require approval from the city’s authorities since it is placed on the tribe’s sovereign territory.

It is believed that the sign is an attempt from the Native American corporation to stake a claim and expand itself in downtown Buffalo. The efforts from the company date back from 2007 when it opened a temporary casino in the area, however, there are some concerns among officials that such expansion in Buffalo, Niagara Falls, or Salamanca would be beneficial for the region or just for the corporation.

Sign of the Times

The billboard was raised at 180 Perry St., off Michigan Avenue last week with the help of Champion Outdoor Ventures, and the land was leased from the tribal corporation. Due to the sign being on sovereign territory, the company did not require a permit to put it up. The digital sign displays promoting the availability of the space, and it will be seen by approximately 633,000 individuals every month.

Buffalo Creek Casino was opened in 2007, and the tribe claimed that it would invest US125 million in the area, hire over 1,000 workers, and share revenue payments in the size of US7 million with the city. The nation expanded the initially temporary casino in 2017 and enjoys plenty of visitors annually, as the corporation claims that it attracts over 3 million patrons annually.

The tribal company claims to have invested over US$200 million in the area, along with both sides of Perry Street, hence expanding the Buffalo casino and its employees to 500. The corporation believes that the gaming property draws visitors to the district, and thus providing benefits for the neighborhood. Initially, the casino caused major backlash, as many questioned whether it would be beneficial for the region.

City officials are concerned that the casino remains functional, while the tribe has suspended its revenue-sharing payments to the state. Other complaints are coming from local business owners that claim that the property makes the competition even more fierce as it sells tax-free cigarettes and gasoline. Buffalo Mayor Byron W. Brown stated that the site’s purpose was to be mutually beneficial and now is a one-way street when the dispute is still unresolved.

Bruce L. Fisher, a former Erie County is not an admirer of the casino property, as he said the facility is an exclusive local business rather than one providing benefits for the neighborhood. James Sandoro, a downtown property owner said a while back from his interactions with visitors of his Buffalo Transportation Pierce-Arrow Museum, he learned that almost everyone has come to the area because of the casino and this is not the spillover effect that the nation promised.

Payments Dispute

A while ago the Seneca Nation of Indians suspended its revenue-sharing payments with New York State. The tribal corporation claimed that its 2002 gaming compact with the state has been breached, as according to the company the compact does not clarify whether payments must continue after its renewal. Payments from the tribe has been suspended since 2017, and have accumulated to over US$255 million.

After a series of legal battles, this May, the Native American company admitted to a certain degree that in fact owns money to the state. The company argued that the initial 25% revenue share amount is way too high in current times as the gaming industry is now much more competitive. President of the corporation Matthew Pagels asserted that the firm will be negotiating for an improved compact with the state.

Source: Watson, Steven “Billboard near Buffalo casino is a sign of times for Seneca Nation”, Buffalo News, June 15, 2021,