Indian Gaming > Blumenthal suggests tribes lack exclusivity

August 26, 2004

Blumenthal suggests tribes lack exclusivity

Connecticut attorney general Richard Blumenthal suggested that tribal-state compacts that guarantee tribal exclusivity for Class III games do not prohibit others from offering such games.

Blumenthal, who has fought tribes on a number of issues, issued an opinion declaring barroom poker tournaments illegal. He said state law makes the games illegal unless played by family members and friends.

Citing the law and the tribal-state compacts, the state Division of Special Revenue issued a statement in support of Blumenthal. But Blumenthal said it is "nonsensical" to argue that the compacts bar the tournaments.

Get the Story:
State officials back Blumenthal on poker nights (The Stamford Advocate 8/26)