Indian Gaming > Nebraska objects to Ponca Tribe's casino in Iowa

May 21, 2008

Nebraska objects to Ponca Tribe's casino in Iowa

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman (R) has informed the Interior Department of his opposition to the casino sought by the Ponca Tribe

The tribe is based in Nebraska. But it plans to open a casino in Carter Lake, Iowa, about 200 miles from the tribe's headquarters.

The Carter Lake site is unique in several ways. It's part of the tribe's service area, as defined by an act of Congress that restored the Poncas to federal recognition.

An even though Carler Lake is in Iowa, it's completely surrounded by Nebraska. Heineman and other Nebraska officials say they will feel the impacts of the planned casino.

In a December 31, 2007 ruling, the National Indian Gaming Commission said the tribe could use 4.8 acres for a casino even though the tribe promised Nebraska it wouldn't use the site for gaming.

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Nebraska Governor Opposes Iowa Casino (KETV 5/20)