Indian Gaming > Iowa sues NIGC to block Ponca Tribe's casino

August 25, 2008

Iowa sues NIGC to block Ponca Tribe's casino

The state of Iowa made good on its threat to sue the National Indian Gaming Commission over the Ponca Tribe's proposed casino.

The state says the NIGC previously said the tribe could not open a casino on 5 acres in the city of Carter Lake. The state believes the land does not qualify under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

The land was taken into trust after the passage of IGRA in 1988. But the NIGC, in a December 31, 2007, decision, said it can be used for a casino because the Poncas are a restored tribe.

The state of Nebraska has already sued the NIGC to block the casino. Though the land is in Iowa, the only way to reach Carter Lake is through Nebraska, where Class III gaming is not legal. Class III gaming is legal in Iowa.

Get the Story:
Iowa sues federal agency over Ponca casino (The Lincoln Journal Star 8/23)
Iowa tries to block tribe's casino plans (The Des Moines Register 8/23)
Miller files lawsuit over gaming legality (The Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil 8/23)
Tribe: Proposed casino is 'world class project' (The Council Bluffs Daily Nonpareil 8/23)
Iowa suit aims to block Carter Lake casino (The Omaha World-Herald 8/22)