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Legal Brief: Supreme Court accepts tribal land gaming case (12/15)

"What happened? The U.S. Supreme Court agreed on Monday to jointly hear two petitions over a decision by the federal government to take the Bradley Tract, a parcel of Indian-owned land in Michigan, into trust....

Pojoaque Pueblo loses decision in gaming agreement case (12/13)

Pojoaque Pueblo in New Mexico failed to follow its own laws when it revoked the gaming license of a consulting company, a judge for the tribe's court ruled on Monday. The tribe hired The Fine...

Gun Lake Tribe heads to Supreme Court for casino dispute (12/13)

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians of Michigan, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe, is headed to the U.S. Supreme Court next year. The tribe wants the high court to overturn a decision that...

Supreme Court agrees to review Gun Lake casino site case (12/12)

The U.S. Supreme Court today agreed to hear a case that affects the casino owned by the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe. The tribe opened the...

Shingle Springs Band in state court with old casino partner (12/12)

The Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians of California could owe millions of dollars to its former gaming partner. The tribe and Sharp Image opened a facility in 1996 but it closed a year later....

Blog: Miccosukee Tribe spent $50M for former attorney's work (12/06)

"The Miccosukee Indian tribe has severed their longtime business relationship with their former lawyer, Dexter Lehtinen and has filed a lawsuit against him for malpractice. The tribe members allege that Lehtinen gave them wrong legal...

Tohono O'odham Nation finds friendlier crowd for gaming talks (12/06)

The Tohono O'odham Nation is presenting its off-reservation casino to the Peoria Chamber of Commerce today. The tribe plans the West Valley Resort near Glendale, whose officials oppose the idea. But in neighboring Peoria, the...

Wyandotte Nation off-reservation casino suit moved to Kansas (12/06)

Over the objections of the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma, a federal judge in Kansas has taken over the tribe's off-reservation lawsuit. The tribe sued the Interior Department in federal court in Washington, D.C. The lawsuit...

Town stops prosecuting non-Indians at Yavapai-Apache casino (12/05)

The town of Camp Verde, Arizona, has stopped prosecuting non-Indians who commit crimes at the casino owned by the Yavapai-Apache Nation. The town's municipal court disclaims jurisdiction over cases arising in Indian Country. As a...

Miccosukee Tribe suing former attorney for per capita advice (11/30)

The Miccosukee Tribe of Florida is suing its former lawyer, claiming he provided bad advice on the taxation of gaming revenues. According to the lawsuit, Dexter Lehtinen, a former U.S. Attorney, assured the tribe that...

City threatens to close Fond du Lac Band casino over dispute (11/30)

The mayor of Duluth, Minnesota, says the city might close the casino owned by the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. The tribe won a decision in federal court that said revenue...

Personal injury suits at casinos handled in tribal court system (11/22)

Patrons who are injured at tribal casinos in Arizona must go through the tribal court system. Sharyn Nesbitt fell in a hole at the casino owned by the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. She filed an...

MPR: Fond du Lac Band wins ruling in gaming agreement case (11/22)

"The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa has prevailed in its long-running dispute with the city of Duluth over revenue-sharing from the tribe's downtown Fond-du-Luth Casino. Since 1986, the band has shared about...

Arizona tribes back at war on off-reservation casino measure (11/18)

The Gila River Indian Community and the Tohono O'odham Nation are back at war over an off-reservation casino. Greg Mendoza, the governor-elect at Gila River, welcomed approval of H.R.2938 by the House Natural Resources Committee....

House committee passes bill to block Tohono O'odham casino (11/17)

The House Natural Resources Committee voted 32-11 today to pass H.R.2938, a bill that bars the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona from opening an off-reservation casino. The bill generated considerable debate from members of both...

Company sues Lower Sioux Tribe over 'JackpotJunction' name (11/16)

A gaming supplier is battling the Lower Sioux Indian Community of Minnesota over the use of the terms "JackpotJunction" and "Jackpot Junction." The tribe opened the Jackpot Junction Casino Hotel in 1984 and registered its...

Seminole Tribe back in court to recover $1.2M gaming debt (11/15)

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is trying to recover $1.2 million from a high roller who admits he lost the money on the gaming floor. But Jason Starkman, the owner of Epicure Gourmet Market and...

Tohono O'odham Nation awaits hearing on gaming litigation (11/10)

The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona has so far been victorious in its effort to open an off-reservation casino. The tribe won decisions in state and federal court affecting the proposed West Valley Resort. But...

Santa Ana Pueblo fights wrongful death case against casino (11/07)

Santa Ana Pueblo in New Mexico has filed a lawsuit in federal court in hopes of blocking a wrongful death case against its casino. The tribe says the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act protects its...

First Nations awarded $2M for thefts from ATMs at casinos (11/02)

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority won a $2 million judgment for the theft of money from ATMs at First Nations casinos. Alain Germain, who pleaded guilty to theft, was ordered to repay the money. He...

Saginaw Chippewa Tribe sues NLRB over gaming dispute (10/28)

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan asked a federal judge to stop the National Labor Relations Board from hearing a gaming employee case. The tribe says the NLRB's hearing, which is scheduled to take place...

Non-Indian gaming facility eyes Narragansett Tribe case (10/26)

Twin River, a non-Indian slot parlor in Rhode Island, is seeking to intervene in a lawsuit filed by the Narragansett Tribe. The tribe is suing to block a new law that authorizes a statewide...

Tohono O'odham Nation wins legal fees in gaming lawsuit (10/26)

The city of Glendale, Arizona, lost another round to the Tohono O'odham Nation in a lawsuit over an off-reservation casino. In May, the Arizona Court of Appeals ruled that the city can't annex land owned...

Omaha Tribe wants Supreme Court to hear casino dispute (10/24)

The Omaha Tribe of Nebraska is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a casino contract dispute. The tribe entered into 11 contracts with StoreVisions, a non-Indian company, to perform work on a casino, racetrack...

Bay Mills Indian Community seeks to dismiss casino case (10/20)

Photo Turtle Talk The Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan is filing four motions this week to dismiss a lawsuit that led to the closure of its off-reservation casino, Chairman Jeff Parker said. The tribe...

Woman sues Kiowa Tribe in state court over casino incident (10/12)

An Oklahoman woman is suing the Kiowa Tribe in court over a slip and fall incident at the Kiowa Casino. Betty Keef initially filed a claim with the tribe but it was denied. Now she's...

Tohono O'odham Nation defends bid for off-reservation casino (10/07)

The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona headed into a Capitol Hill hearing this week on the defensive but found some support for its off-reservation casino. Nearly all of the witnesses invited by the House Subcommittee...

Tohono O'odham Nation threatens lawsuit over anti-casino bill (10/05)

The Tohono O'odham Nation will sue the federal government if Congress enacts H.R.2938, a bill that stops the tribe from building an off-reservation casino, Chairman Ned Norris Jr. said on Tuesday. In 1986, Congress enacted...

Bay Mills Indian Community awaits outcome of casino lawsuit (10/04)

Photo Turtle Talk The Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan is awaiting the outcome of litigation regarding its off-reservation casino. The tribe opened a casino in Vanderbilt last November. The Little Traverse Bay Bands of...

Paper to go to court over Coeur d'Alene Tribe's gaming records (09/29)

An Idaho newspaper wants to know whether the Coeur d�Alene Tribe has complied with its Class III gaming compact. The tribe is required to contribute five percent of net gaming profits to schools on or...

Narragansett Tribe sues to stop non-Indian gaming referendum (09/29)

The Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island filed a lawsuit to stop a referendum that would authorize a non-Indian casino. The November 2012 referendum asks voters to approve a full-fledged casino at the Twin River slot...

Obama administration delays action on Wyandotte Nation casino (09/27)

The Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma will have to wait even longer for a decision on its off-reservation, lawyers for the Obama administration said on Monday. The tribe acquired 10.5 acres in Park City, Kansas, through...

Response due in Wyandotte Nation off-reservation casino suit (09/26)

The Obama administration's response is due today in the Wyandotte Nation off-reservation casino lawsuit. The tribe acquired 10.5 acres in Park City, Kansas, through a land claim settlement. The law mandates that the Interior Department...

Kansas asks to join Wyandotte Nation off-reservation casino suit (09/21)

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt wants to join the Wyandotte Nation off-reservation casino lawsuit. The tribe sued the Obama administration in July for failing to approve its land-into-trust application. Schmidt filed papers to join the...

Cowlitz Tribe negotiating gaming agreement with former rival (09/14)

The Cowlitz Tribe is in negotiations with the city council in La Center, Washington, to address gaming issues. Negotiations began earlier this year after the city council dropped its longstanding opposition to the proposed Cowlitz...

Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority told to restore chair (09/12)

A judge has ordered Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority to reinstate Kirk Goodtrack as chairman of the board. The SIGA board, which consists of First Nations leaders, ousted Goodtrack over alleged conflicts of interest. But Court...

Big Sandy Rancheria in court over disputed casino agreement (09/09)

The Big Sandy Rancheria of Western Mono Indians in California is seeking to cancel its gaming agreement. The tribe partnered with Brownstone LLC, a subsidiary of American Vantage, to build a casino with 2,000 slot...

State won't intervene in lawsuit against Cowlitz Tribe's casino (09/08)

The state of Washington won't intervene in a lawsuit that seeks to stop the Cowlitz Tribe from building a casino. Clark County filed the lawsuit in January. The county says the Bureau of Indian Affairs...

Injunction issued against gaming commission of Apache Tribe (09/06)

A federal judge has barred the gaming commission of the Apache Tribe of Oklahoma from taking regulatory action involving Wells Fargo Bank. The Apache Gaming Commission planned to conduct a hearing into Wells Fargo's dealings...

7th Circuit issues ruling in Lac du Flambeau gaming debt case (09/06)

The Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians can't be sued under an agreement that was never approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled today in...

Judge orders DOI to provide more Seneca gaming documents (09/01)

The Interior Department must release more documents related to its approval of the Seneca Nation off-reservation casino in Buffalo, New York, a federal judge ruled on Tuesday. But opponents of the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino...

Supreme Court asked to hear Gun Lake Tribe casino site case (09/01)

The Obama administration and the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe, are asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a casino site case. The tribe opened the...

MPR: Millions at stake in battle over Fond du Lac gaming deal (09/01)

"A long-running and contentious dispute between the city of Duluth and the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa is back in federal court, where a judge could determine if a revenue-sharing agreement is...

City spends $1M on gaming lawsuit against Fond du Lac Band (08/30)

The city council in Duluth, Minnesota, has authorized spending $1.06 million in its lawsuit against the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. The city says it's owed $12 million under a 1994...

State pressed to intervene in lawsuit on Cowlitz Tribe's casino (08/29)

The state of Washington has been asked to intervene in a lawsuit that seeks to stop the Cowlitz Tribe from building a casino. Clark County filed the lawsuit in March. The county says theBureau of...

Fond du Lac Band back in court for disputed casino agreement (08/29)

The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians is due in court on Wednesday over a gaming dispute with the city of Duluth, Minnesota. In 1994, the tribe agreed to share 19 percent...

Miccosukee Tribe settles suit over damaged radio tower by casino (08/22)

The Miccosukee Tribe has settled a lawsuit with Univision Radio in Florida over the actions of an unidentified casino maintenance worker. The worker was allegedly clearing trees at the Miccosukee Resort when a radio tower...

Wisconsin governor noncommittal on off-reservation casino plan (08/17)

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) won't state his position on off-reservation gaming. But when he was Milwaukee County executive, he opposed the Menominee Nation off-reservation casino in Kenosha. Now that he's in charge of the...

Appeals court dismisses lawsuit for Soboba Band casino contract (08/17)

The Soboba Band of Luiseno Indians did not waive sovereign immunity in a contract with a casino vendor, a California appeals court ruled. The tribe entered into a contract with California Parking Services for valet...

Menominee Nation settles lawsuit over off-reservation casino plan (08/16)

The Menominee Nation of Wisconsin will be getting an answer on its off-reservation casino project under a settlement with the Obama administration. The tribe sued when the Bureau of Indian Affairs rejected the casino in...

Judge bars California from releasing tribe's gaming funds to IRS (08/12)

A federal judge has barred the California Gambling Control Commission from releasing gaming funds held in trust for the Alturas Indian Rancheria. Without the tribe's consent, the state voted to release the funds to the...

R&I: Pojoaque Pueblo ordered to rehire injured casino manager (08/12)

"Ruling: The New Mexico Court of Appeals held that a casino was required to rehire an injured manager it terminated. What it means: In New Mexico, employers who retaliate against workers for seeking workers' compensation...

Gun Lake Tribe wants Supreme Court to hear gaming site dispute (08/11)

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe, is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a case that affects its casino. The tribe opened the Gun Lake...

Coeur d'Alene Tribe rehires David Matheson as casino executive (08/09)

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe of Idaho has rehired David Matheson as chief executive officer of the Coeur d�Alene Casino Resort Hotel. The tribe forced Matheson out of the post in 2006 and accused him of...

Miccosukee Tribe loses bid to block release of gaming records (08/03)

The Miccosukee Tribe of Florida can't claim sovereign immunity to the "superior" United States, a federal judge ruled on Tuesday. The tribe sued when the Internal Revenue Service sought records as part of an investigation...

Parties due back in court over Bay Mills off-reservation casino (08/03)

The Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan will be back in court next Tuesday, August 9, in a lawsuit over its off-reservation casino. The state of Michigan and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa...

Wyandotte Nation sues over off-reservation casino application (07/29)

The Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma is suing the Obama administration for failing to approve its land-into-trust application for an off-reservation casino. The tribe acquired 10.5 acres in Park City, Kansas, through a land claim settlement....

Wealthy gambler resolves dispute over $1.2M to Mohegan Tribe (07/28)

A wealthy gambler has settled a dispute over $1.2 million owed to the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut. Jerome Powers, a Florida millionaire, lost the money while gambling at Mohegan Sun. He signed an agreement allowing...

Judge tells casino to stop using Shakopee Tribe's 'Mystic' name (07/27)

A federal judge has ordered the operator of a gaming facility in Nevada to stop using "Mystic" name because the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community of Minnesota owns the trademark. The tribe opened the Mystic Lake...

Elk Valley Rancheria files claim against former gaming partner (07/26)

The Elk Valley Rancheria of California is seeking $1 million in bankruptcy court from a former gaming partner. The tribe invested money in a Las Vegas casino. But the deal fell through and developer R....

Court dismisses lawsuit over bed bugs at Barona Band's casino (07/22)

A California couple waited too long to file a lawsuit over an alleged bed bug infestation at the casino owned by the Barona Band of Mission Indians, a state appeals court ruled. Robert and Gloria...

White Earth Band to go after assets of former gaming 'partner' (07/22)

The White Earth Band of Ojibwe Indians will try to have a tribal court decision recognized in Florida and Pennsylvania in order to collect nearly $20 million from a former gaming partner. The tribe wants...

NLRB to appeal decision barring investigation at Chickasaw casino (07/20)

The National Labor Relations Board will ask the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals to overturn a decision that bars an investigation into unfair labor practices at a Chickasaw Nation casino. Judge Lee R. West blocked...

White Earth Band seeks to recover $20M from ex-gaming partner (07/19)

The White Earth Band of Ojibwe Indians will pursue "all legal means" to collect nearly $20 million from a former gaming partner, Chairwoman Erma J. Vizenor said. The tribe's court ordered Angelo Medure and Gaming...

Smooth sailing for Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe casino compact (07/18)

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe of South Dakota could see approval of its new Class III gaming compact within a month. The compact authorizes up to 500 slot machines at the Royal River Casino. That's...

Tigua Tribe preparing an appeal over gaming dispute with state (07/13)

The Tigua Tribe will appeal the latest ruling in its long-running gaming dispute with the state of Texas. The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on June 30 upheld contempt charges against the tribe for operating...

NIGC issues NOV on 1994 Fond du Lac Band gaming agreement (07/13)

Better late than never -- the National Indian Gaming Commission has issued a notice of violation to the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians for a gaming agreement that was signed in...

Hearing set on Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe's gaming compact (07/12)

The South Dakota Commission on Gaming will hold a public hearing this Friday on a new gaming compact with the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe. The deal allows the tribe to add 250 slot machines to...

Judge blocks NLRB investigation into Chickasaw Nation casino (07/11)

A federal judge today blocked the National Labor Relations Board from proceeding with an investigation into unfair labor practices at a Chickasaw Nation casino. In a 34-page decision, Judge Lee R. West said an investigation...

IPR: Appeals court won't reopen Bay Mills off-reservation casino (07/06)

"A three-judge federal appeals court panel is not convinced the Vanderbilt Casino is legal. It's not a final ruling on the legality of the Bay Mills Indian Community's operation. It does mean the casino, north...

Editorial: Tribes heading for showdown on off-reservation casino (07/05)

"There is a reason why supporters of a new gambling casino, to be built upon newly created tribal "trust land," repeatedly cite the city of Glendale, or the state Legislature, as opponents of their venture....

5th Circuit upholds contempt charges in Tigua Tribe gaming case (07/01)

The 5th Circuit Court of Appeals on Thursday upheld a contempt order against the Tigua Tribe and said the state of Texas can continue to look at the tribe's gaming records. The tribe operated a...

Judge won't support annexation of Tohono O'odham gaming site (07/01)

A federal judge won't let the state of Arizona annex land owned by the Tohono O'odham Nation. The state enacted a law that would have allowed the city of Glendale to annex the tribe's off-reservation...

Bay Mills off-reservation casino will stay closed pending appeal (07/01)

The 6th Circuit Court of Appeals won't let the Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan reopen its off-reservation casino. The tribe asked for a stay of a federal judge's decision to shut down the facility...

Wrongful death case against Pueblo casino heads to state court (06/30)

Santa Ana Pueblo in New Mexico will have to answer to a wrongful death lawsuit in state court. The tribe served liquor to two patrons at the Santa Ana Star Casino who became intoxicated...

New Mexico court allows dram shop case against tribal casino (06/29)

The family of two siblings who were served liquor at the Santa Ana Pueblo casino can sue the tribe for their deaths, the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled on Tuesday. Michael and Desiree Mendoza were...

Seneca Nation lawyer married to Interior Department attorney (06/29)

Michael Rossetti, a lobbyist for the Seneca Nation of New York, insists there is no wrongdoing between him and an Interior Department attorney. Rossetti began dating Edith Blackwell of the DOI Office of the...

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe avoids trial with a new compact (06/29)

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe and the state of South Dakota have agreed to an amendment to the Class III gaming compact. The tribe will be allowed to offer up to 500 slot machines at...

Seneca Nation rejects complaints about off-reservation casino (06/28)

The Seneca Nation says opponents of its off-reservation casino are stirring up baseless "conspiracy theories." The tribe opened the Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino in downtown Buffalo, New York. Opponents say Edith Blackwell of the Interior...

Osage Nation expects word on gaming applications 'this week' (06/28)

The Osage Nation of Oklahoma excepts to hear word on land-into-trust applications for three gaming facilities "this week" or possibly "next week," an official said. The tribe opened the facilities after the National Indian...

Pala Band seeks to renegotiate gaming compact with governor (06/28)

The Pala Band of Mission Indians will ask the state of California to renegotiate its Class III gaming compact, an attorney said. The tribe was the first to sign a new deal when former governor...

Editorial: Decision makes California play fair with tribal casinos (06/28)

"Not long after he took office in 2003, former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger offered Indian tribes a deal his administration believed was a win for both sides: They could add hundreds of slot machines to their...

Supreme Court won't hear Rincon Band gaming compact case (06/27)

The U.S. Supreme Court today rejected a petition in Brown v. Rincon Band of Luiseno Mission Indians, a gaming compact case. The justices declined the petition without comment in today's order list. The move is...

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe in mediation for gaming lawsuit (06/24)

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe and the state of South Dakota will enter mediation next week over a gaming compact lawsuit, The Sioux Falls Argus Leader reports. The tribe wants to amend its Class III...

DOI attorney accused of wrongdoing on Seneca Nation casino (06/24)

Opponents of the Seneca Nation off-reservation casino in Buffalo, New York, say an Interior Department attorney influenced a key decision to favor a lobbyist she is dating. According to Citizens for a Better Buffalo, Edith...

Column: Off-reservation casino battle shifts to appeals court (06/20)

"As it turns out, the breaking news last week about a possible casino in Port Huron did not emerge from Washington D.C. Nope, the real scoop took place quietly at a federal courthouse in Cincinnati....

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe ready for gaming compact trial (06/17)

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe is preparing for a trial in its gaming compact lawsuit against the state of South Dakota. The tribe asked former governor Mike Rounds (R) to renegotiate the Class III gaming...

Lawsuit on Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino continues (06/16)

A federal judge says he will rule on two issues affecting the Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino in Arizona. The tribe plans to open the West Valley Resort near Glendale. The land was acquired using...

DOJ submits response to lawsuit over Cowlitz Tribe's casino (06/15)

The Department of Justice has responded to a lawsuit aimed at stopping the Cowlitz Tribe of Washington from building a casino. The brief was submitted June 10, The Columbian reported. It defends a decision from...

Tonkawa Tribe pays $2M to settle dispute with gaming firm (06/13)

The Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma has settled a dispute with its former gaming partner. The tribe will pay $2 million to Gaughan Gaming. "They essentially settled for far less than what they were scheduled to...

Native Sun News: New casino puts pressure on South Dakota (06/10)

The following story was written and reported by Ernestine Chasing Hawk. All content � Native Sun News. LARCHWOOD, Iowa � With more than 900 slot machines, 24 table games and an eight table poker room,...

Editorial: Obama's short-sighted view on gaming compacts (06/06)

"The Obama administration has sided with a California Indian tribe in a case with significant ramifications for the future of tribe-owned casinos and the state's authority to oversee those operations. It's a shortsighted stand that...

Tenants take Seminole Tribe to court over casino dealings (06/03)

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is being sued in federal court by current and former tenants at the Hard Rock Casino in Hollywood. The list of plaintiffs includes the KnightTime Billiards, which is still operating...

Elk Valley Rancheria seeks money from ex-casino partner (06/01)

The Elk Valley Rancheria of California is trying to recover more than $1 million from its former gaming partner. The tribe was working with R. Shawn Ellis, whose companies have declared bankruptcy. The tribe says...

City hires two firms to fight Tohono O'odham Nation casino (06/01)

The city of Glendale, Arizona, has hired two lobbying firms -- in addition to a law firm -- to fight the Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino. The city is paying $6,000 a month to Policy...

Northern Arapaho Tribe consulted elders before gaming (05/31)

The Northern Arapaho Tribe of Wyoming consulted its elders before going into the gaming industry. �They told us gaming�s always been here,� Nelson White, a former council member, told The Casper Star-Tribune. The tribe started...

Pojoaque Pueblo denies allegations of wrongdoing at casino (05/27)

The leader of Pojoaque Pueblo in New Mexico said accusations of wrongdoing at the tribe's casino are coming from "a disgruntled employee." Gov. George Rivera said the tribe fired The Fine Point Group in March....

Business sues Pojoaque Pueblo over casino management (05/26)

A consulting firm that was hired to turn around the casino owned by Pojoaque Pueblo in New Mexico is suing the tribe. Executives from The Fine Point Group started managing the Buffalo Thunder Resort and...

DOJ submits brief to Supreme Court in Rincon gaming case (05/25)

The Department of Justice is urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reject Brown v. Rincon Band of Luiseno Mission Indians, a gaming compact case. The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that former governor Arnold...

Foes of Tohono O'odham Nation casino gather signatures (05/24)

The city of Glendale and the Gila River Indian Community are gathering signatures on a petition that opposes the Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino. The city and the tribe have formed a group called...

Rincon Band compact case still pending at Supreme Court (05/23)

The state of California is still waiting to hear whether the U.S. Supreme Court will hear its appeal of a compact case involving the Rincon Band of Mission Indians. The tribe sued when former governor...

City votes to appeal ruling in Tohono O'odham casino case (05/11)

The city council in Glendale, Arizona, voted to appeal another ruling in its bid to stop the Tohono O'odham Nation from building an off-reservation casino. The city claims it annexed portions of a 134-acre site...

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe compact case headed to trial (05/11)

After four years, the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe will finally get its day in court in a gaming lawsuit. The tribe will go to trial on July 11 in its case against the state of...

Buena Vista Rancheria casino in limbo amid court challenge (05/09)

The Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians has been trying to open a casino for more than 10 years and it looks like the tribe will be waiting even long as a lawsuit plays out...

City apologizes to Pechanga Band for suing over gaming deal (05/06)

The city of Temecula, California, apologized to the Pechanga Band of Luise�o Indians for taking the tribe to court over a gaming deal. Mayor Ron Roberts personally delivered a letter to the tribe to mend...

Tohono O'odham Nation casino on hold pending 9th Circuit (05/05)

The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona won't be able to start work on an off-reservation casino until the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals can resolve a legal dispute. In March, Judge David Campbell ruled that...

Mixed rulings in Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino bid (05/04)

The Tohono O'odham Nation has won one ruling in state court and lost another in federal court for its bid for an off-reservation casino. The tribe won a critical Arizona Court of Appeals ruling yesterday...

Univision sues Miccosukee Tribe for destroyed radio tower (04/28)

Univision Radio in Florida is suing the Miccosukee Tribe over the actions of an unidentified casino maintenance worker back in April 2007. The worker was allegedly clearing trees at the Miccosukee Resort when a radio...

Tohono O'odham Nation open to deal tying casino to team (04/22)

The Tohono O'odham Nation is interested in investing in the Phoenix Coyotes but one local official doesn't want the tribe involved. The tribe says it will come to the table if the city of Glendale...

Meskwaki Tribe sued for withholding per capita payments (04/18)

Five members of the Meskwaki Tribe of Iowa say they are owed $788,000 in per capita payments. The tribe suspended payments to Don Wanatee, Leo Dean Peters, Delores Troxell, Lyle Walker and Edland Walker in...

Judge won't issue stay for Bay Mills off-reservation casino (04/15)

The Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan won't be able to reopen its off-reservation casino as it pursues an appeal in the case. The tribe asked Judge Paul L. Mahoney for a stay but he...

Judge dismisses lawsuit on Pechanga Band casino agreement (04/12)

A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit against the Pechanga Band of Luise�o Indians in California. The city of Temecula sued to enforce a gaming agreement with the tribe. But Judge Dale S. Fischer said...

Another case tests state liquor laws at Mohegan Tribe casino (04/12)

The family of a woman who was killed by a drunk casino patron is going after the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut. In a lawsuit filed in state court, Elizabeth Durante's parents have named Chairman Bruce...

Tea Party supports Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino (04/11)

The Glendale Tea Party Patriots are supporting the Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino. The group wants the city of Glendale to drop its lawsuit against the casino. The city has spent $1.3 million on the...

DOJ opposes delay for Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino (04/06)

The Department of Justice says opponents of the Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino are trying to win a lawsuit by default even after losing a ruling in the case. In March, a federal judge said...

Seneca Nation won't appeal ruling in off-reservation casino case (04/05)

The Seneca Nation of New York won't appeal a decision that bars the tribe from intervening in a lawsuit challenging its its off-reservation casino. The 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed a judge's ruling that...

BIA to declare reservation for Tohono O'odham Nation by May 16 (04/05)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs plans to declare a reservation for the Tohono O'odham Nation by May 16, a move that will enable the tribe to open a casino near Glendale, Arizona. A decision is...

Bay Mills Indian Community to appeal decision against casino (03/31)

The Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan will ask the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals for permission to reopen its off-reservation casino. The tribe shut down its casino in Vanderbilt on Tuesday. A federal judge...

Judge won't issue injunction in Tonkawa Tribe gaming lawsuit (03/31)

A federal judge won't issue a temporary restraining order that a gaming company sought against the Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma. Gaughan Gaming started managing the Tonkawa Casino and the Native Lights Casino in 2007. Last...

Bay Mills Indian Community closes its off-reservation casino (03/30)

The Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan shut down its off-reservation casino on Tuesday after a federal judge said it was operating illegally. The tribe opened the casino in Vanderbilt last November. It drew immediate...

2nd Circuit blocks Seneca Nation from off-reservation lawsuit (03/29)

The Seneca Nation can't intervene in a lawsuit challenging its its off-reservation casino in Buffalo, New York, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled on Monday. In March 2010, Judge William Skretny ruled that the...

Judge orders Bay Mills to stop running off-reservation casino (03/29)

UPDATE: An employee told The Port Huron Times that the casino has been closed. A federal judge has given Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan until noon to close its off-reservation casino. Judge Paul Maloney...

Winnebago Tribe, Omaha Tribe work to improve Iowa facilities (03/28)

The Winnebago Tribe and the Omaha Tribe are working to improve their gaming facilities in Iowa. The Winnebago Tribe recently completed a $3 million renovation of the WinnaVegas Casino, which opened 19 years ago. A...

Cowlitz Tribe and city eager to negotiate agreement for casino (03/28)

The Cowlitz Tribe and the city of La Center, Washington, are eager to discuss plans for a casino. Chairman Bill Iyall said its relationship with the city will be "mutually beneficial.� �The prospects of the...

Nebraska court rules Omaha Tribe can be sued for casino work (03/25)

The Omaha Tribe can be sued for allegedly breaking contracts for work at its casino, the Nebraska Supreme Court ruled today. The tribe entered into 11 contracts with StoreVisions in 2008. The tribe's chairman and...

Investor sues Seneca Nation and gaming firm for failed casino (03/25)

An investor is suing the Seneca Nation and a gaming firm over a failed off-reservation casino in New York. The tribe and Rotate Black Gaming partnered to open a casino in the Catskills region near...

City appeals decision favoring Tohono O'odham Nation casino (03/24)

The city council in Glendale, Arizona, has filed an appeal in its Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino case. Judge David Campbell ruled that the Bureau of Indian Affairs can place 54 acres in trust for...

Judge promises a ruling 'soon' in Bay Mills off-reservation suit (03/24)

A federal judge heard arguments on Wednesday in a lawsuit aimed at closing the Bay Mills Indian Community off-reservation casino. Judge Paul Maloney didn't make a ruling but he promised one "soon," according to news...

Judge holds hearing for Bay Mills off-reservation casino case (03/23)

A federal judge promised a quick ruling in a lawsuit that seeks to force the the Bay Mills Indian Community to shut down its off-reservation casino in Michigan. The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa...

Wealthy gambler in talks to pay $1.2M owed to Mohegan Tribe (03/23)

A wealthy gambler is apparently going to pay the $1.2 million he owes the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut. Jerome Powers, a Florida millionaire, lost the money while gambling at Mohegan Sun. The tribe moved to...

Casino company sues Tonkawa Tribe on management contract (03/23)

A gaming company is suing the Tonkawa Tribe of Oklahoma for being ousted from managing the tribe's two casinos. Gaughan Gaming started managing the Tonkawa Casino and the Native Lights Casino in 2007. Last September,...

Cowlitz casino lawsuit is first test of Supreme Court decision (03/21)

Indian Country is paying close attention to a new lawsuit aimed at stopping the Cowlitz Tribe of Washington from building a casino. The tribe gained federal recognition in 2000. But in a record of decision,...

Wealthy gambler challenges Mohegan Tribe over $1.2M debt (03/21)

A wealthy gambler says the Mohegan Tribe can't use the Connecticut courts to go after a $1.2 million debt. Jerome Powers, a Florida millionaire, lost the money while gambling at Mohegan Sun. He signed an...

California doesn't want to be a party in Pechanga gaming case (03/17)

The state of California says it shouldn't be a party in a gaming lawsuit against the Pechanga Band of Luise�o Indians. The state says the Class III gaming compact requires the state and the tribe...

Lawsuits challenge city approval of Seminole casino expansion (03/16)

An attorney has filed two lawsuits against the city of Coconut Creek, Florida, for approving a casino expansion for the Seminole Tribe. The tribe plans to add a retail center and parking garage to the...

Some residents urge city to drop Tohono O'odham casino appeal (03/15)

Some residents of Glendale, Arizona, want to the city to stop fighting the Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino. The city is suing the Bureau of Indian Affairs to block the tribe's land-into-trust application. A federal...

Judge sets hearing in case for Pechanga Band gaming agreement (03/14)

A federal judge will hold a hearing on April 11 in a gaming dispute between the Pechanga Band of Luise�o Indians and the city of Temecula, California. The tribe agreed to pay the city about...

City to consider resolution to work with Cowlitz Tribe on casino (03/07)

The city of La Center, Washington, is considering a resolution to change its stance on the Cowlitz Tribe casino project. The city passed a resolution in May 2007 that objected to the Cowlitz Casino Resort....

Judge rejects lawsuit on Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino (03/04)

The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona is a step closer to an off-reservation casino after a federal judge rejected a lawsuit aimed at stopping the project. Judge David Campbell said the Bureau of Indian Affairs...

March 23 hearing set in Bay Mills off-reservation casino dispute (03/02)

A federal judge will hold a hearing on March 23 in the Bay Mills Indian Community off-reservation casino lawsuit. The tribe opened the casino last November. The facility is located on land that has not...

Another tribe opposes Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino (02/24)

The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community has joined opposition to the Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino. The Salt River Tribe says the proposed casino will violate the tribal-state gaming compact. It will also lead to...

Tribal gaming group remains neutral in off-reservation debate (02/23)

The Arizona Indian Gaming Association is staying out of the debate over the Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino. AIGA's membership includes the Tohono O'odham Nation but also the Gila River Indian Community. The tribes are...

Fond du Lac Band buys building with eyes on casino expansion (02/23)

The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians has purchased an old hotel in hopes of expanding its casino in downtown Duluth, Minnesota. Chairwoman Karen Diver said the tribe wants to improve the...

Judge vows ruling on Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino (02/18)

A federal judge plans to issue a ruling in the Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino case in the "next few weeks," The Arizona Republic reported. Judge David Campbell heard from the city of Glendale and...

Gaming firm fights lawsuit on Big Sandy Rancheria agreement (02/18)

A Nevada gaming firm is disputing allegations in a lawsuit filed by the Big Sandy Rancheria of Western Mono Indians in California. The lawsuit claims Brownstone LLC has refused to comply with licensing requirements of...

Quapaw Tribe immune from lawsuit in casino product dispute (02/17)

The Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma is immune from a lawsuit under federal trademark law, a judge ruled last month. Specialty House of Creation Inc. accused the tribe of infringing on a trademark for a slot...

Judge hears suit over Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino (02/17)

A federal judge will hear arguments today in a lawsuit against the Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino. The plaintiffs are the Gila River Indian Community and five of its members, the city of Glendale and...

City leaders weigh lawsuit over Seneca off-reservation casino (02/17)

Opposition to the Seneca Nation off-reservation casino appears to be growing among leaders in Buffalo, New York. Three common council members support litigation on the issue and two others are keeping an open mind, The...

New angle in feud over Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino (02/16)

A new lawsuit takes a different approach to the battle over the Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino. Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne says the tribe's plan violates Proposition 202, an Indian gaming referendum that voters...

Judge sets trial in August in Shingle Springs Band gaming case (02/16)

A judge in California says the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians must go to trial in August in a gaming case. Judge Patrick Riley rejected the tribe's motion to dismiss the case. The trial...

State judge orders trial for failed Shingle Springs Band casino (02/15)

A judge in California has ordered a trial in a lawsuit against the Shingle Springs Band of Miwok Indians. Sharp Image Gaming is suing the tribe over a failed gaming deal. Sharp says the tribe...

Another suit filed over Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino (02/15)

Arizona Attorney General Tom Horne has filed a lawsuit in hopes of stopping the Tohono O'odham Nation from building an off-reservation casino. Horne claims the tribe misled voters during the campaign for Proposition 202, an...

Big Sandy Rancheria files lawsuit to break gaming agreement (02/14)

The Big Sandy Rancheria of Western Mono Indians in California has filed a lawsuit in federal court against its former gaming partner. The tribe says Brownstone LLC of Nevada has refused to comply with licensing...

Tohono O'odham Nation sues Arizona over land annexation law (02/11)

The Tohono O'odham Nation has sued the state of Arizona over a new law aimed at stopping the tribe's off-reservation casino. The law allows the city of Glendale to annex the tribe's land without the...

Judge sets hearing in Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino bid (02/10)

A federal judge will hold a hearing next Thursday, February 17, in the Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino casino. The city of Glendale and the Gila River Indian Community are suing the Bureau of Indian...

Little Traverse Bay Bands sued over changes to gaming enterprise (02/08)

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians of Michigan is facing a lawsuit from the brother of the tribal chairman. Fred Harrington says his brother, Ken Harrington, and other members of the council violated...

City leaders push lawsuit on Seneca Nation off-reservation casino (02/04)

Two council members in Buffalo, New York, say the Seneca Nation isn't living up to its end of an off-reservation casino agreement. The tribe opened a temporary Buffalo Creek Casino in July 2007. Plans for...

Tohono O'odham Nation pushes for ruling on off-reservation casino (02/03)

The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona is facing some big deadlines in its quest for an off-reservation casino. The tribe's land-into-trust application was approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. But a lawsuit by the...

Court backs Kickapoo Tribe's immunity in casino employment case (02/02)

The Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas is immune from lawsuits under the Civil Rights Act, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled. The tribe agreed to comply with Title VII of the law but it did...

City staying away from litigation over Cowlitz Tribe casino project (02/02)

One community is staying out of litigation that seeks to stop the Cowlitz Tribe from opening a casino in Washington. The city of La Center could join the case at a later date, Mayor Jim...

Arizona governor signs Tohono O'odham off-reservation casino bill (02/02)

As expected, Arizona Gov. Jon Brewer (R) signed into law a bill that seeks stop the the Tohono O'odham Nation from opening an off-reservation casino. The bill allows the city of Glendale to annex the...

Lawsuit filed to stop Cowlitz Tribe casino land-into-trust application (02/01)

A lawsuit was filed in federal court to stop the Cowlitz Tribe of Washington from opening a casino. The plaintiffs are Clark County, the city of Vancouver, two property owners, an anti-gaming group and four...

Lawyer can sue over false report of ties to Kickapoo casino funds (01/31)

A Texas appeals court cleared the way for an attorney to sue a newspaper for a false report that said she admitted to "skimming" casino money from the Kickapoo Tribe. As part of a hearing...

Ex-South Dakota governor won't have to testify in compact case (01/28)

A federal magistrate won't force former South Dakota governor Mike Rounds (R) to testify about gaming compact negotiations with the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe. Rounds, who left office on January 8, refused to come to...

Litigation expected to delay Cowlitz casino by at least 18 months (01/28)

Litigation will delay a casino for the Cowlitz Tribe of Washington by at least 18 months, the tribe's partner said. Officials in Clark County are going to sue the Bureau of Indian Affairs for approving...

City hopes to enter arbitration over Fond du Lac gaming payment (01/27)

The city of Duluth, Minnesota, says a federal judge has cleared the way for arbitration with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. The city sued the tribe for failing to...

Gun Lake Tribe won't let litigation delay opening of gaming facility (01/27)

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe, won't let litigation stop the opening of its casino. The tribe announced a February 11 opening for the Gun Lake...

Land-into-trust issues cloud gaming plans for at least two tribes (01/25)

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe, will open its first casino on February 11 but land-into-trust issues could affect future gaming plans. The Bureau of Indian...

Gun Lake Tribe announces February 11 grand opening for casino (01/24)

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe, will open the Gun Lake Casino on February 11. The $157 million facility will include 1,450 slot machines, 28...

Editorial: County made right call to challenge Cowlitz Tribe casino (01/21)

"week when they voted unanimously to appeal the federal decision that would allow the Cowlitz Tribe to establish a reservation near La Center and build a megacasino. That Dec. 23 decision came from the Bureau...

Hearing anticipated for Bay Mills off-reservation casino litigation (01/21)

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians and the state of Michigan are asking a federal judge to close the Bay Mills Indian Community off-reservation casino. The Little Traverse Bay Bands and the state...

Hearing set in Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino suit (01/20)

A federal judge is expected to hold a hearing in the Tohono O'odham Nation off-reservation casino on February 17. The city of Glendale and the Gila River Indian Community are suing the Bureau of Indian...

Bay Mills Indian Community opens bigger off-reservation casino (01/19)

The Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan will debut a bigger off-reservation casino on Saturday. The facility in Vanderbilt opened last November. It will close for a couple of days to prepare for the 1,400...

City ends deal to sell land for Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe casino (01/19)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts is back to square one on gaming. Just a few months after winning federal recognition in 2007, the tribe struck an agreement to build a casino in Middleboro. But...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's casino project delayed by litigation (01/18)

Last year, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe agreed to pay a total of $21 million to buy land for a casino in Fall River, Massachusetts. But litigation has delayed the tribe from acquiring the land. The...

City continues litigation over Pechanga Band gaming agreement (01/18)

A federal judge says she has jurisdiction to hear a gaming dispute between the Pechanga Band of Luise�o Indians and the city of Temecula, California. Judge Dale S. Fischer initially questioned whether she had authority...

County votes to file lawsuit against Cowlitz Tribe casino approval (01/13)

Commissioners in Clark County, Washington, voted 3-0 on Wednesday to file a lawsuit against the Bureau of Indian Affairs for approving a casino for the Cowlitz Tribe. The lawsuit will be the first major of...

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe defends bid for governor's answers (01/11)

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe is defending its request for the testimony of former South Dakota Mike Rounds (R). The tribe asked Rounds to reneogotiate its Class III gaming compact but he refused. The tribe...

Lawsuit over state liquor laws at Mohegan Tribe's casino settled (01/11)

The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut has settled a lawsuit that tested the application of state liquor laws on the reservation. Emily Vanstaen-Holland and her mother, Susan Holland, sued the tribe after Emily was struck by...

Little Traverse lawsuit cites 'devastating impact' from rival casino (01/06)

An off-reservation casino operated by a rival tribe will have a "devastating impact" on the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians, Chairman Ken Harrington said. Harrington's tribe has sued the Bay Mills Indian Community...

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe seeks governor's testimony in case (01/05)

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe wants South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds (R) to testify in a gaming compact case. The tribe filed the lawsuit after Rounds refused to renegotiate the compact. But state attorneys say...

Local businesses see benefit from Bay Mills off-reservation casino (01/05)

The Bay Mills Indian Community has angered other tribes and the state of Michigan with its off-reservation casino but some local businesses are welcoming the development. Chris Young has seen an increase in business at...

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