Indian Gaming > Non-reservation casino plan prompts dispute

October 12, 2005

Non-reservation casino plan prompts dispute

A proposed non-reservation casino in California is bringing out some strong emotions among non-Indians and the tribes involved.

The Big Sandy Band of Mono Indians plans to open a $250 million casino on a 40-acre Indian allotment. The tribe is in talks with Fresno County about an agreement but one angry resident has written what Fresno County Supervisor Bob Waterston says are very threatening letters.

Meanwhile, the Table Mountain Rancheria is vehemently opposed to the casino, which would be located about two miles from the Table Mountain casino. The Table Mountain Rancheria claims it has jurisdiction over the land the Big Sandy Band wants to obtain.

The National Indian Gaming Commission is now trying to determine whether the Big Sandy Band can engage in gaming on the land. A decision could come by the end of the year.

Get the Story:
New Casino Proposal in Tulare County (KFSN 10/11)
Dispute clouds casino proposal (The Fresno Bee 10/9)