Indian Gaming > Mississippi Choctaw casino faces hurdles

May 19, 2006

Mississippi Choctaw casino faces hurdles

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The off-reservation casino proposed by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians could be rejected by Gov. Haley Barbour (R), who says he opposes expansion of gaming in the state.

The tribe has asked Jackson County to schedule a non-binding referendum on the casino. Local support is needed as part of the off-reservation gaming process.

The final decision, however, lies in the hands of governor. "The governor's position has not changed since he campaigned for office," Barbour's press secretary said, The Mississippi News report. "He is opposed to the expansion of gaming beyond where it is now."

Chief Phllip Martin expects opposition from the Gulf Coast gaming industry as well. "They would be foolish if they didn't oppose us," he said in an interview with The Biloxi Sun Herald. "Yeah, we expect that."

The tribe filed a land-into-trust application for 100 acres near I-10. The land is more than 200 miles from the tribe's reservation.

Get the Story:
Governor opposes increasing gaming (The Mississippi Press 5/18)
OS wants Barbour to back gaming (The Mississippi Press 5/18)
Choctaw casino debated (The Biloxi Sun Herald 5/19)