Indian Gaming > Editorial: No unfair advantage for Miss Choctaws

May 23, 2006

Editorial: No unfair advantage for Miss Choctaws

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"The Mississippi Band of the Choctaw Indians has been phenomenally successful with its casinos in creating jobs in central Mississippi and that should be applauded. But expanding to the Mississippi Gulf Coast raises new issues.

Few would begrudge the Choctaws the benefits of their own efforts.

But part of the Choctaws' success is due to the state gaming compact under the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act signed by then-Gov. Kirk Fordice.

While the Choctaws are entitled to operate their casinos under current conditions, the state has an interest in keeping a level playing field statewide. Allowing an unfair advantage to one casino over another would not benefit the healthy competition that keeps the Coast's gaming environment vibrant and the state's economy healthy.

To be fair, the tribe cannot be barred from building casinos elsewhere, but must do so under state laws and rules. Absent that guarantee, Jackson County would be wise to reject a Choctaw casino."

Get the Story:
Choctaw casino: Keep Coast field level (The Jackson Clarion Ledger 5/23)