The Oneida Nation was hoping that a Wizard of Oz themed casino could bring in some gold bricks, but for now, the progress has been a bit of a headache. The Yellow Brick Road Casino, a Class II gaming facility set to open in Chittenango, the birthplace of author L. Frank Baum, has caused a bit of controversy over the author’s view on Native Americans.
Only a few days after the 1890 massacre at Wounded Knee, the author called for the “extermination” of Indian people. Understandably so, this has not sat well with Native Americans, and others, as well. Representative Ray Halbritter has defended the author, saying his family has apologized publicly for the offensive comments. The casino was initially supposed to open this spring, but a press release puts the open date at “later this year.”
However, the Nation will open a gaming floor with 21 slot machines at the Patrick Road SavOn next to Turning Stone Resort Casino. The slot parlor room will be a 24-hour operation, and open at 9 a.m. April 20. This is the second SavOn to receive the machines.
