Indian Gaming > Two N.M. tribes reconsider stance on gaming suit

February 25, 2004

Two N.M. tribes reconsider stance on gaming suit

Two New Mexico tribes are reconsidering their stance in a lawsuit over revenue-sharing.

Pojoaque Pueblo and the Mescalero Apache Nation have refused to send payments to the state. Along with other tribes, they said the 15 percent revenue-sharing rate was an illegal tax.

In response, attorney general Patricia Madrid sued the tribes. But most of them settled by making full back payments and signing new compacts with lower rates.

According to The Albuquerque Journal, Pojoaque Pueblo is now willing to pay $6 million to settle the claim. Under the old compact, the tribe would owe $20 million.

The Mescalero tribe has not made a decision but new president Mark Chino said he doesn't think the tribe will hold out any more.

Get the Story:
Pojoaque Offers To End Gaming Suit (The Albuquerque Journal 2/25)