Mashantucket Tribe looks to address casino taxation issue

Wednesday, January 22, 2014  

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation said it was dropping further appeals in a slot machine taxation case in hopes of addressing the issue with the state of Connecticut.

In July 2013, the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that non-Indian vendors who do business with the tribe's casino must pay state and local taxes. The court said the taxes do not violate the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act or infringe on tribal sovereignty.

The tribe disagrees with the ruling. But rather than ask the U.S. Supreme Court to hear the case, the tribe said it "believes the most productive approach to address tax issues between sovereigns is to enter discussions with the state," The New London Day reported.

Other tribes expressed interest in the case. In a post on his law firm's blog last year, attorney Gabe Galanda said other courts have ruled differently in similar disputes.

Get the Story:
Mashantuckets won't seek appeal of Ledyard tax ruling (The New London Day 1/22)
Mashantucket Pequot tribe drops casino tax suit (AP 1/21)

2nd Circuit Decision:
Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation v. Ledyard (July 15, 2013)

Mashantucket Tribe won't appeal slot machine taxation suit (1/21)