Ho-Chunk Nation to appeal decision over electronic poker game


A view of the gaming floor at the Ho-Chunk Gaming facility in Madison, Wisconsin. Photo from Facebook

The Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin is fighting a court order to remove electronic poker games from one of its casinos.

The tribe installed PokerPro at the Ho-Chunk Gaming Madison. A February 2009 opinion from the National Indian Gaming Commission determined that the devices fall into the Class II category, outside of state control.

Judge Barbara Crabb, however, said the machines fall Into the Class III category. Since Class III gaming isn't allowed at the Madison location, the tribe must remove the games, she concluded in a decision earlier this month.

“The Nation began offering video poker only after it received the OK from the Nation Indian Gaming Commission, which is the federal oversight agency for Class II gaming and the appropriate authority in this matter," President Jon Greendeer said in a press release announcing plans for an appeal.

The case will go to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.

Get the Story:
Ho-Chunk Nation must remove video poker at Madison casino, judge rules (Lee Newspapers 6/26)

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