Indian Gaming > Jena Choctaw casino bid marked by controversy

March 28, 2005

Jena Choctaw casino bid marked by controversy

Louisiana has 18 casinos and numerous truck stops with video poker. So why would anyone be upset that a tiny tribe wants to open a casino?

Plenty of people, The New Orleans Times-Picayune recounts. As early as 1994, shortly before winning federal recognition, the tribe's efforts to open a casino have been tinged with controversy. There was a federal racketeering charge against a former state lawmaker and other defeats.

Then came Jack Abramoff, who organized opposition to the tribe's latest efforts. But even though he fell from grace and is under federal investigation, Sen. David Vitter (R) and others are still fighting a Jena Band casino.

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Indian casino odyssey goes on (The New Orleans Times-Picayune 3/28)