Casino foes argue Graton Rancheria land not eligible for gaming

Thursday, October 21, 2010  

Foes of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California say the tribe's new reservation is not eligible for gaming.

The tribe was restored to federal recognition by an act of Congress. The law directed the Bureau of Indian Affairs to acquire land in trust for the tribe.

Generally, land acquired after the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988 is not eligible for gaming. But the law contains an exception for tribes that were restored to recognition.

In a record of decision, the National Indian Gaming Commission concluded that the tribe qualifies for a "restored lands" exception. A group called Stop the Casino 101 Coalition says it will challenge that finding in a new lawsuit.

Get the Story:
Foes seek new legal challenges to Rohnert Park casino (The Santa Rosa Press-Democrat 10/21)

9th Circuit Decision:
Stop The Casino 101 Coalition v. Salazar (June 3, 2010)

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