Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe won't pay out poker jackpot

Monday, May 10, 2010  

A group of gamblers has been trying to get the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe of South Dakota to pay out a nearly $96,000 from a poker game.

The tribe offered the jackpot during a Texas hold 'em game at the Royal River Casino. But when one player said something in violation of the rules, the card dealer voided the winning hand.

The disgruntled players appealed to the tribal gaming commission, which ruled for the casino. A hearing before the tribe's court and a tribal appellate court also went in the casino's favor.

The law firm that represented the players said the tribal system was fair. But some of them said they won't stop fighting for the money they believe is theirs.

"I'll be on their case the rest of my life," Bill Williams told The Sioux Falls Argus Leader.

Brian Piearson, another player, said the incident raises concerns about the tribe's proposal for an off-reservation casino. "But my main concern is if their management can't handle a small casino the size of Royal River, there is no way they should handle a $100 million casino," he told the paper.

Get the Story:
Anger lingers over casino, poker hand and jackpot denied (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 5/9)