Illegal slot machines

By Michele McClintick

September 16, 2008

NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. (WIVB) - Should the Senecas be the only ones allowed to run slot machines on the American side of the Falls?

Parlato held a public hearing in the building to try to get the attention of business owners and citizens, saying that everyone should be on an equal playing field, including Native Americans.

One developer said no and Monday night, he rolled his crusade into the court of public opinion.

If nothing else, you can call Niagara Falls developer Frank Parlato determined, going against state gaming laws. He's planning to run his own casino-illegally.

"They can build without complying with New York State building code, we may not," said Parlato.

Niagara Falls developer Frank Parlato said, "Based on ethnicity, a Seneca can open up a casino, an American may not."

Even if it takes getting arrested for doing it, he said he's going to set up slot machines in his building, the old occidental chemical center.

Parlato held a public hearing in the building to try to get the attention of business owners and citizens, saying that everyone should be on an equal playing field, including Native Americans.

"They can build without complying with New York State building code, we may not," said Parlato.

Many people agreed with what he's doing, saying that it's unfair that the Seneca Nation doesn't have to pay taxes on the multi-million dollar casino.

"A lot of businesses are paying a lot of taxes and they don't have the business and the casino doesn't have to pay any taxes and they're getting a lot of business," said Niagara Falls resident Tammy Smeal.

Many people agreed with what he's doing, saying that it's unfair that the Seneca Nation doesn't have to pay taxes on the multi-million dollar casino.

There's no set date for when Parlato plans to open his slot machines.

News 4 tried getting an interview with Niagara Falls mayor Paul Dyster, about the plan. He had no comment.