Only two people out a crowd of 450 spoke in favor of an off-reservation casino sought by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.
The tribe ran into fierce opposition at a public hearing sponsored by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The agency will be reviewing the casino by taking into account the potential benefits for the tribe and the effect on the local community.
Residents say the impact will be negative. Some objected to the inability for the casino to fall under state regulation, which requires a 12 percent tax on gaming proceeds.
The tribe wants to build the $375 million resort on 100 acres in Ocean Springs, more than 200 miles from the reservation. The site is located off a major interstate.
The tribe submitted an application for a two-part determination under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The law requires the state governor's approval for the project.
Get the Story:Few show support for Choctaw casino (The Mississippi Press 10/19)
Proposed Choctaw casino under fire (The Jackson Clarion Ledger 10/19)
Choctaws hear casino opposition (The Biloxi Sun Herald 10/19)
p1
