I don't think the casinos are a cure-all. However, I think the article did point out something interesting. Unlike the Seneca Niagara, Buffalo wants the Senecas to operate the casino in Buffalo and THAT'S IT. Any hotels, shops, and other businesses would not be run by the Senecas. That way those businesses would be taxable, unlike the new hotel in Niagara Falls.
Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong on this.