Editorial: Catawba Nation's 'end run' on the state

"The Catawba Indian Nation is trying two approaches to convince the Legislature to allow it to operate a high-stakes bingo hall at Santee. On the one hand, the tribe argues that it’s only fair. On the other, it threatens to open a video poker operation in York County if the Legislature says “no.”

We’re not convinced that the state has an obligation to guarantee the Catawbas a profit on gambling — and indeed, the more we learn about their proposed “bingo” operation, the less difference we can see between it and video gambling; still, the question of “fairness” is a legitimate issue that legislators should consider, and we’re glad the Catawbas are trying to make their case to state legislators rather than attempting to get the Congress to make an end-run around the state."

Get the Story:
York video poker less ominous than Santee ‘bingo’ (The State 4/28)