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BLACKJACK HAS $9 MILLION IMPACT
Niagara Falls, NY, July 2004 - Niagara County Community College (NCCC) projects that by the end of 2004 there will be a $9 million economic impact made on the Western New York economy due to its Blackjack Dealer Training Program. Nearly 300 students will have successfully completed the training program. Ninety-eight percent of graduates to date have received job offers from Seneca Niagara Casino with an approximate annual starting salary of $30,000.
Seneca Niagara Casino developed a community partnership with NCCC earlier this year. The Casino provided the college gaming tables, cards and chips for NCCC to use in casino gaming courses. The training classes are held in the Aquafalls Building in Niagara Falls.
Enrollment for the 120-hour, six-week course has been so strong that NCCC has applied to the State Education Department and the State University of New York for permission to establish an associate degree in Casino Management and a one-year certificate program in Casino Operations. Several senior Seneca Niagara Casino dealers are part-time instructors with the college.
Enrollment has been interesting according to Margaret Topor, NCCC's Director of Community Education. "While more than half of the students in this course are high school graduates, nearly one quarter have some college experience. Enrollment has been drawn from several Western New York counties including Niagara, Erie, Cattaraugus, Genesee and Monroe."
"Working with NCCC has been a win for everyone," said Rickey L. Armstrong, Sr., President Seneca Nation of Indians. "Students win with good paying jobs, NCCC gains increased enrollment, jobs stay in Western New York and Seneca Niagara Casino gets talented, enthusiastic well-trained employees."
The next NCCC Blackjack course begins on September 7 and ends October 18, followed by another class starting November 1 and ending December 14. Additional information is available by calling the college at (716) 614-6470.
Seneca Niagara Casino is New York State's first full-service casino featuring reel-spinning and video slot machines. Just a few blocks from world-famous Niagara Falls, the Casino is located at 310 Fourth Street. The 112,590 square feet gaming floor houses more than 3,200 slot machines and 97 table games. A separate smoke-free casino, Turtle Island, is also available to patrons along with the Poker Room and the high-stakes Blue Heron Room.
In addition to gaming, Seneca Niagara Casino offers several restaurants including Thunder Falls Buffet, Morrie's Place and The Western Door: A Seneca Steakhouse. The Bear's Den Showroom, a 443-seat showroom-style theater and Club 101, a unique music venue located in the heart of the gaming floor, provide live entertainment. Free parking is available to patrons through complimentary valet services, self-parking areas and a four-story garage with covered walkway. The Casino is owned and operated by The Seneca Nation of Indians.
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