What happens if the Interior Department approves a gaming compact that is subsequently struck down in the state courts?

No one knows but the Oneida Nation might find out. The department, for the first time in the history of Indian gaming, is reconsidering its approval of the tribe's 1993 compact, which has been invalidated in the state courts.

An Interior attorney told Nation Representative Ray Halbritter and Gov. Eliot Spitzer (D) that they have until April to begin negotiations on a new agreement. Otherwise, the department could take action against the casino, since it is apparently operating without a valid compact.

Tribal opponents hope the move will force the tribe to share revenues from its successful Turning Stone Resort & Casino. The tribe turned a $115 million profit at the facility, according to a University of Rochester economist.

Get the Story:
U.S. likely to rule in June on legality of Turning Stone (The Syracuse Post-Standard 3/21)
1993 Turning Stone pact to be reviewed (The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle 3/21)
Federal government tells state, Oneidas: Start negotiating now (The Utica Observer-Dispatch 3/21)
Turning Stone gaming compact being reconsidered (AP 3/21)