I took a look at some of the latest news about the Seneca Nation of Indians’ Buffalo Creek Casino vs Citizens Against Casino Gambling in Erie County.

I read that one of the biggest arguments is around the hospitality industry, with one casino critic saying, “the presence of the casino, with its proposed hotel and numerous food and beverage outlets, would surely drive many local hospitality establishments out of business. The casino can literally give away hotel rooms, food and beverage, retail sales and entertainment to those who ‘qualify’ for free services due to their gambling losses. The system is called “Player Points” and is based on a small percentage of gambling losses being redirected back to the player as ‘points’ to be spent on non-gambling services within the casino.”

Here’s some positive news about the casino being built – they ran a poll finding out the local community’s view on the casino being built. The findings were:

A Zogby International poll, conducted between Aug. 19 and 22, found that eight out of 10 likely voters in four Western New York counties including Erie and Niagara Counties, equate the Seneca Nation’s gaming and entertainment operations to new, steady jobs and economic development. Furthermore, two-thirds of those polled believe Seneca-run businesses do improve the region’s quality of life. Approximately 70 percent of those polled, said New York state should honor all Indian treaties, which is at the core of their lobbying efforts being made to Paterson to convince the governor to reject the sales tax collection bill. All previous New York governors have rejected the bill. Among the poll’s other findings were that three out of 10 believe state government mistreats Indian tribes, nearly 78 percent agree that Indian businesses including gaming and retail add economic development and job growth opportunities, and that virtually all those visit one of the Seneca’s casino operations in Niagara Falls, Salamanca and Buffalo rate them “highly” and 60 percent said they are already planning a return visit.

I thought I’d give you a little update on poker in Western NY. I have not been training any new poker dealers since February of this year. The job market here has little demand for poker dealers at this time. Last week, I was happy to hear that the Seneca Niagara Casino was looking for a few part-time dealers, so I offered a refresher class for several of my former students. The students applied for the positions and auditioned. I spoke with John Wood,(the card room manager, and former student of mine)and he told me that the students did very good on the auditions, and they would be notified in a few days from now. I’ll let you know how they make out.
I would like to begin teaching again, but the majority of my recent students had to relocate to find work.
Mike, you might want to look into the ongoing battle in Buffalo between the Seneca Nation of Indians and lawmakers, judges, and citizens against casinos. Right now it looks like the anti-casino activists are winning. The Senecas have actually stopped construction of their Buffalo Creek Casino. The way things get done in this area, it might be years before we know if the casino will ever open.
Nick Ciavarella

Although both the Chan Academy and Chan Poker have closed, dealer training is still available through Gatlin Education.

I then typed in my Zip Code and I found my local college is offering a partnership with Gatlin. Here were the costs in my local area:

Casino Baccarat Dealer $1195 75 Hours
Casino Blackjack Dealer $1395 100 Hours
Casino Poker Dealer $1395 100 Hours

Here’s the description on Casino Poker Dealer:

World Wide Gaming Academy and GES have partnered to bring you this nationally recognized Poker Dealer online training course. We will teach you everything you need to know in order to become a Professional Poker Dealer. You will learn all the required fundamentals including: shuffling, how to handle cheques, limits, Seven Card Stud, Omaha and of course, how to deal the most popular card game today, Texas Hold ‘Em. Our online training will prepare you for a new and exciting career as a casino card dealer.

After successfully completing the Casino Poker Dealer online training course, the advisors at the World Wide Gaming Academy will assist you with job placement and support. They will proactively assist you with your job search by posting your personal online profile, complete with a video “audition” necessary to showcase the valuable skills you’ve learned. This online certificate program is offered in partnership with major accredited college and universities.