The Pride of Seneca Casinos Shines from the Inside Out

All three Seneca Resorts & Casinos properties in New York State are celebrating Pride, with all the colors of the rainbow under one roof. That's added to the bling and ring of their famous slot machines and vibrant interiors. Visiting Seneca is like stepping into a perpetual party where the fun never stops. And that goes for everybody!

You might not find a more inclusive indigenous-owned casino on the North American east coast. Even though the buffalo on this reservation are charging through the screen for a possible big-win payout, the suspense is softened by beautiful architecture and a doting five-star staff. They have properties in Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Salamanca, New York.

For the LGBTQ+ community who, even today, aren't sure they are accepted everywhere, Seneca makes sure there are no side-eyes or apprehension from the staff. And that's not just the public-facing staff, it's also behind the scenes.

EDGE media spoke to Michael McNeese, whose job it is to bring the fun to Seneca's Resorts & Casinos. He's the Special Events Coordinator in their corporate marketing department, and a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community.

"I work on the planning and the execution of all corporate and VIP events for all three of our properties," McNeese says.

He's been with the company for three years, and in that time has gone from a server in the casino's food and beverage department to a key contributor for all special events across the properties.

The company offers educational training, and McNeese jumped on it. He took a Dale Carnegie public speaking and business leadership course and his superiors took notice, especially Marketing Manager Taylor James: "She was the one who pushed me to further expand my resume and come to the Corporate Marketing team," McNeese says.

The position comes with a lot of responsibility, which is made easier since Seneca is queer-forward. They walk in Buffalo Pride Parade and fly the Pride flag every year; it's a statement of acceptance and support, especially appreciated in these uneasy times.

"We really enjoy hosting Drag Bingo and Brunches with the production company Drag Me to the Stage," McNeese says proudly. "Seneca Resorts and Casinos is firm on creating spaces that feel welcoming and inclusive for everyone. Not just during Pride Month, as well."

Diversity is one of Seneca's core values. They are literally a part of the community, and they treat their guests like family members, gleeful when they show up unannounced. It's more than hospitality; it's generosity of spirit.

"Supporting Pride is about uplifting voices, honoring self-expression, and standing with the LGBTQIA+ community in meaningful ways," McNeese contends.

This is merely an extension of Indigenous peoples. Inclusivity is their foundation, and acceptance is the support. Above that is safety, a canopy of caring. McNeese says, "Seneca creates spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered.

"It's who we are," he adds, "and while we're proud of how far we've come, we're committed to continuing the work every day."

However, each day can be filled with surprises, and that includes guests who may not like certain political issues – the LGBTQ+ community being one of them. Most visitors are accepting, but a few find that vocalizing their stances with derogatory speech is helpful. For Seneca, it's not; they counter it in a few ways.

The company's PR social media moderators, Elexa Printup and Leah Coleman make sure hate speech online is not tolerated. Offline, the security team takes care of business on the floor. McNeese says their presence isn't to scare people, "but to ensure attending guests – new ones and our regulars – feel safe when they are with us."

Whether you are visiting one of their properties for Pride, or just to try your luck at a jackpot, Seneca Casinos make sure each one of their guests feels welcomed and appreciated. When asked what makes Seneca different from others, McNeese says it's simple: "The VIP experience. Seneca Resorts and Casinos continues to cultivate ways to make sure the guest experience at any of our locations is better than the rest! We constantly offer employee workshops on guest service and how to the B.E.S.T., which means: Be present, Engage, Smile and Thank!"

Make sure to follow Seneca Resorts & Casinos on their social media platforms to stay up to date on what is coming next, like the Seneca Beer & Wine Festival happening at the Niagara Falls Location on July 26 and 27. Tickets are on sale now. For more information check out the Seneca website.

And Happy Pride!