Indian Gaming > Mississippi Choctaws seek off-reservation casino

May 15, 2006

Mississippi Choctaws seek off-reservation casino

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The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is seeking an off-reservation casino on land more than 200 miles from its reservation.

The tribe owns 100 acres in Ocean Springs, where it operates a printing company. The site is along Interstate 10.

The tribe filed a land-into-trust application with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in order to beat an April 15 cut-off date in pending amendments to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Chief Phillip Martin wants Jackson County to consider calling a non-binding referendum in 2008. A 1990 referendum found 62 percent of voters against a casino.

The tribe was a former client of disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff. The tribe hired him to oppose efforts by other tribes to acquire land for gaming.

Get the Story:
Mississippi Choctaws Eye Jackson County Casino (WLOX 5/12)
Casinos Or Not In Jackson County? (5/13)
Jackson County casino? (The Biloxi Sun Herald 5/13)
Choctaw Eye Coast Casino (AP 5/13)
Choctaws seek help with casino (The Mississippi Press 5/13)