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The Seneca Nation of Indians called the event a "construction milestone" as work continues on the project at the corner of Michigan and Perry near the Buffalo Inner Harbor area.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I think we're ready," said Cathy Walker, president and CEO of Seneca Gaming Corp., who spoke just before the crews raised the final beam into place.
Other invited guests also took a few moments to sign the beam before crews lifted beam into place.
The project represents the Seneca's commitment to developing the nine-acre Buffalo Creek territory.
"That commitment is proven by this 130 million [dollar] private investment project, the latest of the Seneca Nation's development efforts, which combined, represents more than one billion dollars in investment in [the] New York economy over the past decade," Walker said during her remarks at the ceremony.
The event also represents the Seneca Nation reaching "new heights" on a new path for the Seneca Nation, the city of Buffalo, and thousands of visitors who will soon be able to visit the casino, Barry Snyder, Sr., president of the Seneca Nation of Indians.
"Seneca Buffalo Creek is expected to create hundreds of jobs ... new jobs when completed, and hundreds of union construction jobs today, further cementing the Seneca Nation Gaming Corporation's position as one of the largest, fastest growing, private-sector employers in Western New York," Snyder said.
The Senecas say the project has led to 600 construction jobs -- and will mean 500 jobs for casino operations...
The casino will feature 800 slot machines, 16 table games, and a restaurant.
The Seneca Nation is hoping to complete the project in the fall of 2013.