Judge issues stay in Rincon Band compact case

Wednesday, July 2, 2008  

A federal judge issued a stay in a Class III gaming compact dispute between the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians and the state of California.

Judge William McCurine said he won't force the two parties to negotiate until the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals can rule on the case. The state is challenging a decision that it has been negotiating in "bad faith" with the tribe.

The tribe wants to operate more slot machines at the Harrah's Rincon Casino. The state is demanding a cut of the revenues but hasn't offered a "meaningful" concession, according to an April 29 ruling.

The stay issued yesterday depends on the 9th Circuit fast-tracking and issuing its own stay, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported.

Get the Story:
Judge won't force state, tribe into talks (The San Diego Union-Tribune 7/2)