NIAGARA FALLS, NY – Seneca Resorts & Casinos has named Lon O’Donnell, a seasoned gaming operations leader with more than 30 years of experience, SVP of Gaming Operations.
O’Donnell will develop and implement the gaming strategy across the three Seneca Resorts & Casinos properties – Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino. His focus will include developing an enterprise-wide slot floor strategy, including game mix, placement and themes, and working with leaders across all gaming operations areas, including slot operations, table games and sportsbook operations, to develop and execute strategic plans and drive successful results.
“Our three Seneca Resorts & Casinos properties are built on the shared foundation of guest experience, guest service, and excitement,” said Kimberlee Dunlop, Chief Operating Officer for Seneca Resorts & Casinos. “The excitement and energy of our gaming floors are central to that. Lon understands how to build comprehensive gaming strategies across multiple properties that shape and enhance the experience our guests will enjoy, support our service standards, and elevate our vision for how we want to continue to grow and evolve.”
O’Donnell most recently served as VP and GM at Bally’s Casino Black Hawk in Colorado, where he led full property operations across three casino properties encompassing 600 slot machines, 18 table games, sportsbook and off-track wagering, and multiple restaurants and amenities. Prior to that, he served as VP of Gaming Strategy for Grand Casinos Mille Lacs & Hinckley in Minnesota, directing gaming operations across two tribal casino properties with a combined 3,500 slot machines, 50 table games and two bingo halls. His previous experience includes decades in leadership roles at properties in Las Vegas, Reno, and Oregon.
Across its three casino properties, Seneca Resorts & Casinos offers guests a leading selection of over 5,100 slot machines, more than 125 table games and three sportsbook operations.
“The operations that Seneca Resorts & Casino has established since 2002 are all very impressive,” said O’Donnell. “Each property is unique and has its own distinct personality that speak to guests in different ways. I’m excited to work with our team to build on their successful track record and to further establish Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino and Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino as premier destinations for gaming excitement.”
O’Donnell joins Seneca Resorts & Casinos’ senior management team as the company builds out a Centers of Excellence organizational model that consolidates responsibility for revenue drivers and customer service under corporate roles with enterprise-wide oversight. The model is intended to standardize practices across properties, identify operational efficiencies, and support succession planning.