Indian Gaming > Millions at issue in Pequot slot coupon dispute

December 15, 2006

Millions at issue in Pequot slot coupon dispute

The state of Connecticut claims the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation owes millions of dollars in revenues from a slot machine promotion.

The tribe mails coupons, ranging in value from $5 to $1,000, to gamblers. The coupons can be redeemed for play at the Foxwoods Resort Casino.

At issue is whether the casino should report the value of the coupons to the state. Under the tribal-state compact, the tribe has to share 25 percent of slot machine revenues.

In October, 25 percent came to $756,000. In September, the month the promotion started, 25 percent was $356,000.

The tribe has agreed to put the money into escrow pending resolution of the suit, filed in state court. The tribe, confident it will prevail, waived its sovereign immunity.

Get the Story:
State files suit in slot battle with Mashantucket Pequots (The Norwich Bulletin 12/15)
Blumenthal Seeks Ruling On Slots Coupons (The New London Day 12/15)
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