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Casino foes attack Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe (12/17)

An anti-gaming group in Massachusetts is seeking an investigation into the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe after its former chairman pleaded guilty. Casino Free Mass says attorney general Martha Coakley should look into the tribe's federal recognition...

State not worried about Mashpee guilty plea (12/16)

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) said the guilty plea by a former leader of theMashpee Wampanoag Tribe would not affect gaming compact discussions. "We've got, I think, a very positive and transparent relationship with the...

Judge asked to reconsider Ponca casino ruling (12/15)

A federal judge is being asked to reconsider a ruling that said the National Indian Gaming Commission shouldn't have allowed the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska to build a casino in Iowa. The Department of Justice...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe optimisic on casino bid (12/15)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts doesn't think the change in power in Washington, D.C., will affects its pursuit of a casino. In August 2007, the tribe filed two land-into-trust applications, including one for a...

Guidiville Band expects Obama answer on casino (12/08)

The Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians of California expects to receive an answer on its casino proposal from the new administration of president-elect Barack Obama. The tribe plans a gaming facility at the former Point...

Casino opponents await Supreme Court case (12/04)

Casino opponents in Massachusetts are awaiting the outcome of a U.S. Supreme Court case that they say could prevent the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe from acquiring trust land. In Carcieri v. Kempthorne, the court is being...

Ponca Tribe won't drop casino bid despite ruling (12/04)

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska says it will continue to pursue a casino in Iowa even after a federal judge said the tribe promised not to engage in gaming there. The tribe acquired a 5-acre...

Menominee Nation seeks halt to casino decision (11/26)

The Menominee Nation of Wisconsin wants a federal judge to stop the Interior Department from making a decision on an off-reservation casino. In a court filing, the tribe says it was told by a Department...

Cowlitz Tribe works on casino deal with county (11/24)

The Cowlitz Tribe is working on a new casino agreement with Clark County, Washington. The two sides previously agreed to address the impacts of the Cowlitz Casino Resort on the local community. But their deal...

Michigan city hopes for off-reservation casino (11/21)

Officials in Romulus, Michigan, are still interested in hosting off-reservation casinos even after Congress killed a bill to authorize two tribal facilities. Officials plan to meet with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians...

Panel discusses gaming in Massachusetts (11/19)

Job creation, the economy and land-into-trust were hot topics at a panel that discussed gaming in Massachusetts. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is seeking to build a major resort in the town of Middleboro. The project...

Mashantucket Tribe faces fight in Pennsylvania (11/14)

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut is seeing more opposition to its proposed casino in Pennsylvania. The tribe and its backers won a state license to operate a slot machine facility in south...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe weighs Class II (11/12)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts will scale back its casino plans if only allowed to engage in Class II gaming, The Cape Cod Times reports. The tribe wants to build a casino, hotel, events...

St. Croix Band hopeful with Obama administration (11/11)

The St. Croix Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin says its off-reservation casino will be reviewed more favorably by president-elect Barack Obama's administration. The St. Croix Band and the Bad River Band of...

Menominee Nation sues to halt casino review (11/10)

The Menominee Nation of Wisconsin filed a lawsuit in federal court on Friday to prevent the Bush administration from rejecting its proposed off-reservation casino. In October, the tribe asked the Bureau of Indian Affairs to...

BIA releases Mashpee Wampanoag report (11/10)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has released a draft environmental impact statement on the casino sought by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts. The 1,306-page report looks into the effects of the casino on water,...

Cities oppose Warm Springs off-reservation casino (11/04)

Three cities in Oregon and three cities in Washington have sent letters to the Bureau of Indian AffairsConfederated Tribes of Warm Springs. The cities say the casino would increase pollution and traffic and limit access...

Fort Mojave off-reservation casino on ballot (11/04)

The Fort Mojave Tribe is hoping voters in Needles, California, will support an off-reservation casino at the polls today. The tribe wants to build a casino on 300 acres just outside the city. Plans call...

Wisconsin tribes won't back down from casino (11/03)

Two Wisconsin tribes are still waiting for federal approval on their off-reservation casino project. The Bad River Band of the Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians and the St. Croix Band of Lake Superior Chippewa...

Graton Rancheria casino affected by economy (10/28)

After years of debate, the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria of California, also known as the Coast Miwok Tribe, finally won approval for its casino project in May. But the tribe's proposal for a...

Editorial: Gambling on a new administration (10/28)

"The Menominee Nation has decided to gamble that a new administration in Washington will be more favorable to its proposal for a casino in Kenosha than the current head of the Department of the Interior....

Report touts benefits of Menominee casino (10/24)

The Menominee Nation of Wisconsin has asked the Bureau of Indian Affairs to suspend review of its off-reservation casino but hopes a new study will eventually pave help win approval for the project. The tribe...

Menominee Nation fears Interior casino denial (10/23)

The Menominee Nation of Wisconsin is asking the Bush administration to suspend review of its off-reservation casino out of fear it will be rejected by Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne. Chairwoman Lisa Waukau said the Kenosha...

Fort Mojave Tribe continues casino negotiations (10/17)

The Fort Mojave Tribe and the city of Needles, California, continue to negotiate a casino agreement in hopes of placing it before voters on November 4. Talks seemed to have stalled in recent weeks...

Casino agreement with Cowlitz Tribe in dispute (10/01)

The mayor of La Center, Washington, is proposing a new casino agreement with the Cowlitz Tribe but other city officials say they don't want to negotiate. The tribe has offered $3 million annually for...

McCain opposed one casino but protected another (09/30)

Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) led the fight against an off-reservation casino in the Bay Area while protecting another one whose partners were close associates, The Berkeley Daily Planet reported. McCain backed legislation that would force...

Mashpee Wampanoag backers strained by economy (09/24)

The main financial backers of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts are feeling the effects of the economic downturn. Moody's Investors Service and Standard & Poor's have downgraded the credit rating of the owner and...

Daughter of NIGC chair works for casino developer (09/22)

The daughter of National Indian Gaming Commission Chairman Phil Hogen is working for a developer that wants to build a casino for the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, The Oklahoman reports. Vanya Hogen was hired by...

Mohegan Tribe still in running for Kansas casino (09/18)

The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut is one of three remaining bidders for a commercial casino in Kansas. The tribe is seeking a casino in Wyandotte County. The Kansas Lottery Gaming Facility Review Board is set...

Eastern Shawnee Tribe awaits word on Ohio casino (09/17)

The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma hopes to build a casino on Ohio if its land-into-trust applications are approved. The tribe filed applications for two parcels totaling 180 acres. An Indian law professor said approval...

Eastern Shawnee Tribe eyes new casino site in Ohio (09/10)

The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma hasn't given up efforts to open a casino in Ohio. The tribe has resumed negotiations with the city of Monroe to build a casino there. A new 123-acre site...

Supreme Court won't act on Gun Lake casino for now (09/09)

The U.S. Supreme Court won't be taking action on a pending land-into-trust case, meaning the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe, can't move ahead with plans for its casino...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe waits patiently for casino (09/02)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts is waiting patiently on its casino bid, a year after submitting a land-into-trust application to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. At the time the application was filed in late...

City seeks more information on Ponca Tribe's casino (08/22)

The city in Iowa where the Ponca Tribe wants to build a casino is urging others to wait before taking a stance on the controversial project. The tribe has 5 acres in trust in...

Iowa county to weigh action on Ponca Tribe's casino (08/15)

Officials in Pottawattamie County, Iowa, will meet next week to discuss their position on the controversial Ponca Tribe casino. The tribe plans to build a casino in the county in a city called Carter...

BIA predicts Cowlitz casino decision by December (08/11)

A decision on the casino sought by the Cowlitz Tribe of Washington won't be ready until December at the earliest, a Bureau of Indian Affairsofficial said. The BIA issued a final environmental impact statement in...

Gaming opponents try to delay Gun Lake casino (08/07)

Opponents of Indian gaming in Michigan are making a last-ditch attempt to block the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe, from a casino. Michigan Gambling Opposition lost rulings in...

No compact talks for Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe (08/06)

A June news report of Class III gaming compact negotiations between the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the state of Massachusetts was apparently premature. Gov. Deval Patrick (D) said on Monday that no talks have occurred...

Editorial: Gaming law on the side of the Ponca Tribe (08/01)

"The Ponca Tribe's faces an array of powerful forces as it tries to develop a casino in Carter Lake, Iowa. Gov. Dave Heineman opposes it. So does Attorney General Jon Bruning. The list goes...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe waits on casino bid (07/31)

It's been nearly a year since the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts submitted its land-into-trust application. The newly recognized tribe plans to use 539 acres in the town of Middleboro for a casino. The Bureau...

D.C. Circuit won't rehear Gun Lake casino case (07/30)

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has refused to rehear a case that seeks to stop the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians from building a casino in Michigan. On April 29, the court rejected a...

Habematolel Pomo make plans for first casino (07/29)

The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake plan to negotiate a Class III gaming compact with the state of California before breaking ground on the tribe's first casino. The tribe's land-into-trust application was approved on July...

Town backs Little River off-reservation casino (07/29)

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians won support for its off-reservation casino in Muskegon, Michigan. The Fruitport Township Board voted 4-3 on a resolution in favor of the casino at the defunct Great Lakes...

City rejects Cowlitz Tribe's offer on casino (07/28)

The city council in La Center, Washington, has again rejected a casino agreement with the Cowlitz Tribe. The tribe is willing to pay up to $3 million a year for 10 years and address other...

DOJ seeks dismissal of lawsuit over Ponca casino (07/25)

The Department of Justice is asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit over the Ponca Tribe's proposed casino. Government lawyers say the state of Nebraska lacks standing to challenge the casino because the...

County responds to Cowlitz Tribe casino study (07/22)

Commissioners in Clark County, Washington, submitted a 32-page response to the environmental impact statement for the casino sought by the Cowlitz Tribe. The county says the Bureau of Indian Affairs failed to address all of...

Ponca Tribe has big plans for casino in Iowa (07/21)

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska plans to announce partnerships to build a major casino in Iowa. Chairman Larry Wright said the tribe's facility will rival commercial casinos in Iowa. "It's not going to be...

County supports Little River Band casino bid (07/18)

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians is seeing support for its off-reservation casino in Muskegon, Michigan. The board of commissioners in Muskegon County passed a resolution in support of the project. The tribe said...

BIA rule restricts off-reservation gaming (07/18)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has published a regulation that makes it harder to acquire land for off-reservation casinos. The rule implements Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The section bars casinos on...

Little River Band purchases defunct racetrack (07/17)

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians purchased a defunct racetrack in Michigan for an undisclosed price. The tribe wants to open a casino at the site near Muskegon. But official said there is...

Cowlitz Tribe renews offer on casino agreement (07/15)

The Cowlitz Tribe is offering to renew a casino agreement with the city of La Center, Washington. The tribe and the city entered in an agreement to address the offsets of the proposed Cowlitz Casino...

Seneca Nation hires top legal expert for gaming case (07/10)

The Seneca Nation of New York has hired Laurence H. Tribe, one of the most prominent legal experts in the United States, to help the tribe defend the legality of its off-reservation casino. Tribe...

Editorial: North Fork Band reservation shopping (07/07)

"The proposed casino on Highway 99 in Madera County is still a bad idea, even if the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs has rejected the Old Mill site near the mountain town of North Fork...

BIA changes course on North Fork casino bid (07/02)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs won't require the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of California to consider another casino site. In one of his final actions as assistant secretary, Carl Artman asked the BIA's...

Ponca Tribe makes offer to Iowa on casino taxes (07/01)

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska is willing to pay gambling taxes to the state of Iowa, Chairman Larry Wright Jr. said in an interview with The Des Moines Register. Wright said the state will...

Tule River Tribe seeks off-reservation casino (06/30)

The Tule River Tribe of California seeking federal approval for an off-reservation casino. The tribe operates the Eagle Mountain Casino on its reservation. A location closer to the city of Porterville would draw in more...

House vote set on Michigan off-reservation gaming bills (06/25)

The House is set to vote today on two controversial off-reservation gaming bills. H.R.2176 and H.R.4115 settle land claims for the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, respectively....

Rep. Conyers: No 'special deals' for tribal casinos (06/24)

"I would like to add a few points concerning the upcoming vote in Congress on legalizing off-reservation casinos in Romulus and Port Huron. The validity of the land claims the bills purport to "settle" is...

Fort Sill Apache Tribe alleges NIGC intimidation (06/23)

The Fort Sill Apache Tribeof Oklahoma says the National Indian Gaming Commission is intimidating some of the largest tribal casino vendors. The tribe was getting ready to install Class II machines at a facility...

Wyandotte Nation seeks second casino in Kansas (06/19)

The Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma is seeking to open a second casino in Kansas. In 2006, the tribe filed a land-into-trust application to use a site in Park City, outside of Wichita, for gaming...

Fort Mojave Tribe seeks agreement for casino (06/18)

The Fort Mojave Indian Tribe is seeking to negotiate a municipal services agreement for its proposed casino. The tribe plans to open the casino off a major interstate near Needles, Arizona. The city council has...

Ponca Tribe cites benefits of Iowa casino (06/18)

The Ponca Tribe says its proposed casino will boost the economy in Iowa and Nebraska. The tribe plans to build a casino in Carter Lake, Iowa. Carter Lake is located next to Nebraska. The...

Fort Sill Apache Tribe removes gaming machines (06/16)

The Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma is removing about 50 electronic gaming machines from its proposed casino in New Mexico. The tribe leased the Class II machines from the Citizen Potawatomi Nation. But with...

Cardrooms seek new Cowlitz casino study (06/13)

Non-Indian cardrooms want the Bureau of Indian Affairs to conduct a new environmental impact statement for the casino sought by the Cowlitz Tribe of Washington. The BIA issued a final EIS for the casino last...

Lawsuit over Graton Rancheria land-into-trust (06/12)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is being sued over its decision to allow the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria to open a casino in the Bay Area. The plaintiffs are raising constitutional challenges to the...

Shawnee Tribe expects more comment on casino (06/12)

The Shawnee Tribe. says the public will get another chance to comment on its proposed Oklahoma City casino. The tribe filed a land-into-trust application to use 104 acres for gaming purposes. The Bureau of Indian...

Another Oklahoma official against Shawnee casino (06/10)

Oklahoma State Treasurer Scott Meacham said he opposes plans by the Shawnee Tribe. to open a casino in Oklahoma City. In a letter to the Interior Department, Meacham said the casino would hurt revenues at...

Iowa to sue NIGC over Ponca Tribe's casino (06/09)

The state of Iowa will be filing a lawsuit against the National Indian Gaming Commission in hopes of stopping the Ponca Tribe from building a casino. Attorney general Tom Miller said the tribe promised not...

Oklahoma governor opposes Shawnee casino (06/09)

Oklahoma Gov. Brad Henry (D) has joined opposition to the casino sought by the Shawnee Tribe. Henry sent a letter to Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne on Friday. It said the tribe's proposed casino would hurt...

BIA to review California off-reservation casino again (06/06)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is giving an off-reservation casino in California a second review after it was rejected by former assistant secretary Carl Artman. In a notice being published in the Federal Register today,...

DOJ argues NEPA not required for Quapaw casino (06/05)

The Department of Justice says the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma didn't have to comply with the National Environmental Policy Act before building a casino. The Joplin Globe reports on a motion to dismiss in a...

Nebraska city opposes Ponca Tribe's casino in Iowa (06/04)

The city council in Omaha, Nebraska, voted to support the efforts of the state to block the Ponca Tribe from opening a casino in Iowa. The tribe, whose headquarters are in Nebraska, has trust land...

Community forum for Shawnee casino in Oklahoma (06/03)

An Oklahoma state lawmaker is hosting a community forum tonight to discuss the Shawnee Tribe's proposed casino in Oklahoma City. State Rep. Mike Shelton, a Democrat, said the public has until Friday to tell the...

Interior delays response in Ponca casino lawsuit (06/03)

The Interior Department has yet to respond to a lawsuit over the Ponca Tribes plans to open a casino in Iowa. Interior's answer to the suit filed by Nebraska attorney general Jon Bruning is...

Cowlitz Tribe's proposed casino keeps lobbyists busy (06/02)

The prospect of the Cowlitz Tribe winning approval for a casino in Clark County, Washington, has kept three lobbyists busy over the past year. One lobbyist, John Bockmier, represents non-Indian card clubs that say they...

Oklahoma racetrack agency opposes Shawnee casino (06/02)

The Oklahoma Horse Racing Commission is joining opposition to the Oklahoma City casino sought by the Shawnee Tribe. The state agency wants Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to end the project before any decisions are made....

Cowlitz Tribe moves closer to casino approval (05/30)

The Cowlitz Tribe of Washington is one step closer to opening a casino with the publication of a environmental impact statement for the project. The tribe plans to build a $510 million Cowlitz Casino...

BIA to publish final EIS for Cowlitz casino (05/29)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is publishing the final environmental impact statement for the casino sought by the Cowlitz Tribe of Washington. The tribe wants 152 acres in Clark County places in trust. The land...

Fort Sill Apache chair criticizes New Mexico governor (05/27)

The Fort Sill Apache Tribe has a right to open a casino in New Mexico, Chairman Jeff Houser said. The tribe owns 30 acres in southern New Mexico. The land was placed in trust by...

Shawnee Tribe's casino plan stirs opposition (05/26)

The Shawnee Tribe met with members of Oklahoma's Congressional delegation to address concerns about a proposed casino in Oklahoma City. But the meetings don't appear to have helped. The lawmakers plan to send a...

Artman seeks to influence North Fork casino bid (05/23)

Assistant secretary Carl Artman has been busy in the weeks leading to his resignation today and his latest action could delay the off-reservation casino being sought by the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians of...

Effect of Section 20 rules on Warm Springs debated (05/23)

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs of Oregon don't think the new Section 20 rules will affect an off-reservation casino project. The tribes are pursuing a casino under the two-part determination process of Section 20...

Cowlitz Tribe not worried about Section 20 rules (05/21)

The Cowlitz Tribe of Washington says its proposed casino won't be affected by the new Section 20 regulations. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act bars gaming on lands acquired after 1988. But Section 20 contains...

Nebraska objects to Ponca Tribe's casino in Iowa (05/21)

Nebraska Gov. Dave Heineman (R) has informed the Interior Department of his opposition to the casino sought by the Ponca Tribe The tribe is based in Nebraska. But it plans to open a casino in...

BIA ends review of Lower Lake Rancheria casino (05/20)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has ended the environmental review for a controversial Bay Area casino. The Lower Lake Rancheria Koi Nation sought to build a casino on 65 acres near the Oakland International Airport....

Cowlitz Tribe hails a BIA land-into-trust decision (05/12)

The Cowlitz Tribe of Washington is welcoming a Bureau of Indian Affairs decision on a casino project in California. The BIA last week approved a land-into-trust application for the Mechoopda Tribe. The tribe plans...

County wants to know if it can kill Cowlitz casino (05/06)

Commissioners in Clark County, Washington, want to know if they can kill the casino sought by the Cowlitz Tribe. The county is drafting a letter to George Skibine at the Bureau of Indian Affairs....

County says most opposed to Cowlitz casino (04/17)

Most people who attended three hearings held by Clark County, Washington, oppose the casino sought by the Cowlitz Tribe, according to the county's board chairman. Chair Betty Sue Morris, however, said the county will likely...

County holds final hearing on Cowlitz casino (04/16)

Commissioners in Clark County, Washington, held the last of three hearings on the casino sought by the Cowlitz Tribe. The county is trying to determine whether to enter into an intergovernmental agreement for the...

Washington county passes anti-gaming resolution (04/09)

Commissioners in Clark County, Washington, voted 3-0 on a resolution to oppose a "major commercial gaming facility" -- words apparently aimed at the casino sought by the Cowlitz Tribe. The resolution, however, does not mention...

County holds meeting on Cowlitz Tribe's casino (04/08)

Commissioners in Clark County, Washington, held the first in a series of public meetings on a casino agreement with the Cowlitz Tribe The county is holding three meetings even though commissioners plan to oppose the...

North Fork Rancheria faces long odds on casino (04/07)

The North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians is facing tribal opposition as it seeks to gain federal approval for an off-reservation casino. The tribe wants 305 acres placed in trust. The site is about 35...

Fort Sill Apache Tribe to start using gaming site (04/07)

• Jeff Houser's YouTube The Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma plans to open a restaurant and smokeshop at its gaming site in New Mexico. The tribe has 30 acres in trust off a...

Nebraska group opposes Ponca casino in Iowa (04/01)

A Nebraska group called Gambling with the Good Life is trying to convince local officials and business leaders to oppose the Ponca Tribe's proposed casino in Iowa. The group says the casino will hurt Nebraska...

Manzanita Band seeks off-reservation casino (04/01)

The Manzanita Band of Mission Indians is seeking a casino 66 miles from its reservation in southern California. The tribe wants to have 61 acres in Calexico placed in trust for a casino with 2,000...

Mashpee Wampanoag casino predicted in three years (03/31)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts will have a casino up and running in three years, a leading gaming specialist said. Clyde Barrow, the director of the Center for Policy Analysis at the University...

BIA to make decision on Scotts Valley casino (03/31)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is taking public comments on the casino sought by the Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians in California. The tribe wants to build a 225,000-square-foot casino on about 30 acres...

BIA holds hearing on Mashpee Wampanoag casino (03/26)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs held the first public hearing on the casino sought by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts.. About 300 people attended the hearing, The New Bedford Standard-Times. About 50 of...

Off-reservation casino bills promised floor time (03/26)

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-California) has promised floor time on two controversial off-reservation casino bills, The Hill newspaper reports. The House Natural Resources Committee has already approved H.R. 2176 and H.R. 4115. The bills settle...

BIA to hold public hearings on Mashpee casino bid (03/24)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs is holding two public hearings this week on the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's proposed casino in Middleboro, Massachusetts. The tribe plans to build a 240,000-square-foot casino and a 1,200-room hotel. There's...

Class II at issue at Prairie Band casino in Illinois (03/24)

Opponents of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation's proposed casino in Illinois are questioning the types of games the Kansas-based tribe will be offering. The tribe plans to open a 24-hour Class II facility on 128...

Action on off-reservation casino bills delayed (03/21)

The House Judiciary Committee won't be taking action any time soon on two off-reservation casino bills until April at the earliest. H.R. 2176 and H.R. 4115 settle land claims for the Bay Mills Indian Community...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe scales back casino (03/20)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts is scaling back plans for its first casino. Preliminary plans for the casino in the town of Middleboro show the casino and adjoining hotel will not be as tall...

Wyandotte Nation eyes another Kansas casino (03/20)

The Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma is weighing another casino in Kansas. The tribe operates a Class II facility in downtown Kansas City. The site has been the subject of a lengthy legal battle but the...

Six off-reservation casinos under BIA review (03/18)

The Bush administration is reviewing six off-reservation casino projects, the Associated Press reports. One of them is for Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs in Oregon. The tribe is seeking a casino in Cascade Locks,...

Off-reservation casino stirs debate in Oregon (03/14)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs held the fourth of five public hearings on an off-reservation casino in Oregon on Thursday and the turnout was as large as ever. Hundreds of people have been turning up...

County urged to oppose Cowlitz Tribe's casino (03/12)

A group called Citizens Against Reservation Shopping wants commissioners in Clark County, Washington, to oppose the casino sought by the Cowlitz Tribe. The group says the tribe doesn't belong in the county. All three commissioners...

House Judiciary hearing on off-reservation casinos (03/11)

The House Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing this Friday on two controversial off-reservation casinos. H.R. 2176 and H.R. 4115 settle land claims for the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe...

BIA continues hearings on Warm Springs casino (03/11)

TheBureau of Indian Affairs held a second public hearing on the off-reservation casino sought by the Warm Springs Tribes of Oregon. The tribe plans to build a $389 million casino at Cascade Locks, which...

Kempthorne warns casinos could end up 'anywhere' (03/10)

According to assistant secretary Carl Artman, his boss didn't play much of a role in developing a new policy that restricts off-reservation gaming. But Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne doesn't want tribes getting casinos hundreds of...

Lawmaker cites hurdles facing Mashpee casino (03/07)

A Massachusetts state lawmakers says the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe faces many hurdles in its casino quest. Rep. Daniel Bosley, a Democrat, opposes gaming. He says Gov. Deval Patrick (D) and Patrick's supporters are wrong...

BIA to hold hearings on Mashpee casino bid (03/06)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs will hold two public hearings this month on the land-into-trust application for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts. The BIA is preparing a draft environmental impact statement for the acquisition...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, governor discuss gaming (03/05)

Leaders of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe met with Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) on Tuesday to discuss gaming issues. The newly recognized tribe is seeking to build a casino in the town of Middleboro....

Off-reservation casino hearing draws large crowd (03/05)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs held the first public hearing on an off-reservation casino sought by the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs in Oregon. According to The Dalles Chronicle, more than 200 people attended...

St. Croix Band fears denial of off-reservation casino (03/04)

The St. Croix Band of Lake Superior Chippewa fears a new Bush administration policy will lead to rejection of its off-reservation casino in Beloit, Wisconsin. Chairwoman Hazel Hindsley testified at a House Natural Resources...

Fort Sill Apache Tribe cites land settlement for casino (03/03)

The Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma has trust land in New Mexico but can it be used for gaming? That's the question everyone is trying to answer. Chairman Jeff Houser says a March 2007...

Cost of Graton Rancheria casino could top $1B (03/03)

The leader of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California says the tribe's proposed casino could cost more than $1 billion. Chairman Greg Sarris said costs are rising in part due to the tribe's...

Battle rages over Fort Sill casino in New Mexico (02/29)

New Mexico state police continued to maintain a presence at the Fort Sill Apache Tribe's casino site on Thursday. Officers weren't blocking anyone from entering the tribe's 30-acre trust parcel. But Gov. Bill Richardson...

Illinois county approves Prairie Band casino deal (02/29)

The board in DeKalb County, Illinois, voted 16-7 last week to approve a casino agreement with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation of Kansas. The agreement addresses revenue sharing, municipal services and other impacts of the...

NIGC tells Fort Sill Apache Tribe not to open casino (02/28)

The National Indian Gaming Commission is warning the Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma not to open a casino in New Mexico. The tribe wants to operate a Class II facility on trust land...

Letter seeks another vote on Mashpee casino (02/28)

A letter circulating in the town of Middleboro, Massachusetts, seeks another vote on a casino proposed by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. At a special town meeting, voters already approved an agreement to host the casino....

Mississippi Choctaws won't give up casino bid (02/27)

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians won't drop its efforts for an off-reservation casino, Miko Beasley Denson said. The tribe was one of 11 whose off-reservation casinos were rejected by the Bureau of Indian Affairs...

Cowlitz Tribe locked in long battle over casino (02/27)

The Cowlitz Tribe of Washington won federal recognition in 2000 and has been fighting for a reservation ever since. The tribe's land-into-trust application has been pending at the Bureau of Indian Affairs for more...

St. Croix Band to testify at House hearing (02/22)

Hazel Hindsley, the chair of the St. Croix Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, will testify at the House Natural Resources Committee hearing next week. Hindsley's tribe is pursuing an off-reservation casino in Beloit, Wisconsin....

City awaits action on off-reservation casino bill (02/21)

Officials in Romulus, Michigan, are awaiting action on bill to authorize an off-reservation casino in their city. The city supports the casino sought by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. They say the...

Illinois county holds hearing on Prairie Band casino (02/20)

About 200 people attended a public hearing about the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation's proposed casino in DeKalb County, Illinois. The Kansas-based tribe wants to build a Class II facility on 128 acres in the county....

Editorial: Off-reservation casino threat (02/19)

"Five public hearings are scheduled early next month to address one of the most serious threats to the treasured Columbia River Gorge: a huge off-reservation tribal casino proposed for Cascade Locks, Ore. We believe increased...

Flint mayor seeks off-reservation casino (02/19)

The mayor of Flint, Michigan, is hoping to get in the game for an off-reservation casino. The House is considering legislation to authorize two off-reservation casinos in Michigan. But opposition from certain members of Congress...

Off-reservation casino bills inspire big fight (02/15)

Disgraced Republican lobbyists Jack Abramoff is in prison but his name is being thrown around a lot as the House considers legislation to authorize two off-reservation casinos. Abramoff lobbied against casinos sought by tribes in...

Major lobbying effort on off-reservation casinos (02/14)

The House Natural Resources Committee on Thursday approved legislation for two off-reservation casinos in Michigan. H.R. 2176 and H.R. 4115 settle land claims for the Bay Mills Indian Community and the Sault Ste. Marie...

Editorial: No to off-reservation casinos in Michigan (02/14)

"Among John Engler's last acts as governor of Michigan -- on Dec. 30, 2002, to be precise -- was approving a land claim settlement with two Upper Peninsula Indian tribes that gave them rights to...

St. Regis Mohawk Tribe drops off-reservation casino (02/13)

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe officially ended its bid for an off-reservation casino in the Catskills region of New York. The tribe and partner Empire Resorts wanted to turn the Monticello Raceway into a...

Lac Vieux Band reaches off-reservation casino deal (02/13)

The city council in Muskegon, Michigan, voted 5-2 to approve an agreement with the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa for an off-reservation casino. The deal requires the tribe to pay $2 million...

Little River Band proposes off-reservation casino (02/12)

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians is proposing an off-reservation casino in Muskegon, Michigan. The $100 million project would be twice the size of the Little River Casino on the reservation. It would feature...

St. Regis Mohawk Tribe blasts ex-gaming partner (02/12)

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe criticized Empire Resorts, its former gaming partner, for proposing a rival gaming project in the Catskills region of New York. The tribe and Empire planned a $600 million off-reservation casino...

NIGC asks Fort Sill Apache Tribe about New Mexico site (02/11)

The National Indian Gaming Commission is asking the Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma to justify its off-reservation gaming site in New Mexico. The NIGC wants to know whether the 30-acre site meets the...

Nebraska commission backs Ponca Tribe's casino (02/08)

The Nebraska Commission on Indian Affairs has passed a resolution in support of the Ponca Tribe's gaming rights. The tribe wants to build a casino in Carter Lake, Iowa. The land qualifies for gaming, according...

Little River Band interested in off-reservation casino (02/08)

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians is entering the off-reservation casino game in Muskegon, Michigan. The tribe plans to make a presentation to the city commission on Monday. Ogema Larry Romanelli says the tribe...

Massachusetts governor opposes Mashpee casino (02/07)

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) is opposing the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's proposed casino despite pursuing commercial gaming in the state. In a letter to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Patrick's office said the tribe's...

St. Regis Mohawk Tribe accuses partner of breach (02/07)

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe of New York accused Empire Resorts of abandoning their proposed off-reservation casino in the Catskills. The Bush administration rejected the casino in January, saying it was too from the reservation....

Vegas gaming backs anti-tribal casino 'group' (02/06)

Vegas giant MGM Mirage is backing a "group" that is opposing two off-reservation casinos in Michigan. Gambling Watch was formed two weeks ago by a public relations specialist. The group's paperwork was handled by...

Groups pray to stop Ponca Tribe's casino (02/05)

Religious groups have launched a prayer drive against the Ponca Tribe's proposed casino in Iowa. Dozens of people from more than 20 different Christian groups went to the casino site in Carter Lake to oppose...

Detroit mayor to testify against tribal casinos (02/05)

Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick will testify against legislation to authorize two off-reservation casinos. Kilpatrick, who is embroiled in a potential perjury scandal, is one of several witnesses who oppose H.R. 2176 and H.R. 4115....

Nebraska AG: Ponca Tribe 'lied' about casino plans (02/01)

The Ponca Tribe "lied" on its land-into-trust application, Nebraska attorney general Jon Bruning said on Thursday. Bruning said the tribe promised to build a health care facility on a 5-acre site in Iowa. But...

Town opposes Mashpee land-into-trust application (02/01)

The town of Mashpee, Massachusetts, is opposing the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe's land-into-trust application out of fear of a casino. The newly recognized tribe is seeking 140 acres in the town as an initial reservation. But...

'Death knell' sounds for Eastern Shawnee casino (01/31)

The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma probably won't be getting a casino in Ohio, University of Dayton law professor Blake Watson says. Watson, who specializes in property and Indian law, says the Bush administration...

Editorial: Give Shawnee casino proposal a fair shot (01/31)

"The visceral reaction to the Shawnee Tribe's first proposal for an Oklahoma City casino seemed absent last week when the tribe gave more detail on what it wants to do on land it recently...

County wants new casino deal with Cowlitz Tribe (01/30)

Officials in Clark County, Washington, want to negotiate a new casino agreement with the Cowlitz Tribe. The county previously signed a memorandum of understanding with the tribe. But the 2004 deal has been challenged in...

Sen. Bingaman questions Fort Sill Apache casino (01/30)

Sen. Jeff Bingaman (D-New Mexico) is asking the Bush administration to explain why the Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma is building a casino in southern New Mexico. Bingaman said the tribe agreed not...

County weighs appeal of Ione Band gaming ruling (01/30)

Officials in Amador County, California, are weighing an appeal after losing a court case over the casino sought by the Ione Band of Miwok Indians. In December, a federal judge dismissed the county's suit against...

Martin's role questioned on off-reservation casino (01/28)

The Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan is accusing former Bureau of Indian Affairs official Aurene Martin of conflict of interest and ethics violations. The tribe wants an off-reservation casino in Port Huron. When...

Ponca Tribe meets to discuss potential casino (01/28)

Members of the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska held a private meeting on Saturday to discuss the potential for gaming. The tribe hasn't made any decisions about a casino, Chairman Larry Wright Jr. said. But...

Letters: For and against off-reservation casino (01/28)

Letters for an against the off-reservation casino sought by the Bay Mills Indian Community of Michigan. FOR: "Thanks to Cliff Schrader for his Jan. 18 column on the status of Port Huron's casino approval in...

Michigan governor backs off-reservation casino (01/24)

Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) is backing legislation to authorize an off-reservation casino for the Bay Mills Indian Community. Granholm wrote a letter to Rep. Nick Rahall (D-West Virginia), the chairman of the House Natural...

County weighs challenge to Mechoopda casino (01/24)

Officials in Butte County, California, are weighing a challenge to the Mechoopda Tribe's proposed casino. The Bureau of Indian Affairs has issued a finding of no significant impact for the project. The next step...

Shawnee Tribe proposes Oklahoma City casino (01/24)

The Shawnee Tribe announced plans for a $400 million casino and entertainment complex in Oklahoma City. Preliminary plans call for a casino, hotel, shopping center, performance hall and movie theater complex on 104 acres...

Prairie Band wants to pay for county's attorney (01/23)

The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation of Kansas says it will pay for the attorney hired by DeKalb County, Illinois. The tribe wants to open a Class II facility in the county. The two sides are...

County weighs vote on Graton Rancheria casino (01/23)

Supervisors in Sonoma County, California, are debating a referendum on the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria�s proposed casino. A local attorney is leading the push to put the casino before county voters. But any referendum...

BIA to hold hearings on Warm Springs casino (01/22)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs will hold public hearings on the off-reservation casino sought by the Warm Springs Tribes of Oregon. The tribes plan a $389 million resort in Cascade Locks. The 60-acre gaming...

County to sue DOI over Quapaw Tribe's casino (01/22)

The Cherokee County Commission in Kansas plans to sue the Bush administration for allowing the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma to build a casino. The commission questions whether the land the $200 million Downstream Casino Resort...

Shawnee Tribe to seek Oklahoma City casino (01/21)

The Shawnee Tribe is announcing plans for a casino in Oklahoma City. The tribe has a contract to purchase 100 acres near a major interstate. A news conference will be held on Wednesday at...

Work continues on $200M Quapaw casino (01/21)

Work continues on the Quapaw Tribe's $200 million casino near the intersections of Oklahoma, Kansas and Missouri. The Downstream Casino Resort is set to open this summer. A hotel at the site will open...

BIA sets hearings on Mashpee Wampanoag casino (01/18)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has scheduled two public hearing next month on the Mashpee Wampanaog Tribe's proposed casino in Massachusetts. The newly recognized tribe filed a land-into-trust application for 539 acres in the...

St. Croix Band in court over off-reservation casino (01/18)

The St. Croix Band of Lake Superior Chippewa was back in court this week over its off-reservation casino in Wisconsin. The tribe sued the Bush administration last month, saying the Interior Department was making unlawful...

Ponca Tribe's gaming approval stirs debate in Iowa (01/18)

State officials and gaming executives in Iowa are worried that the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska could open a casino in the state. The tribe has trust land in Carter Lake, near the Nebraska border....

Ponca Tribe to discuss plans for Iowa casino (01/17)

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska will hold a meeting on January 26 to discuss a casino in Iowa. The tribe won a ruling from the National Indian Gaming Commission over the status of trust land...

BIA clears way for Mechoopda Tribe casino (01/17)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has issued a finding of significant environmental impact for the casino proposed by the Mechoopda Tribe of California. Notice of the FONSI was published in The Oroville Mercury-Register, the paper...

Editorial: Right move on off-reservation casinos (01/17)

"Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne made exactly the right call when he recently denied permission to 11 Indian tribes around the country to acquire more land in order to build casinos. His decision was unpopular with...

Illinois county goes over Prairie Band agreement (01/16)

Officials in Dekalb County, Illinois, went over a casino agreement with the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation of Kansas. The agreement calls for the tribe to share 2.5 percent of annual gaming revenues from a Class...

Rep. Baird calls casino review process flawed (01/15)

Rep. Brian Baird (D-Washington) says the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act is flawed but he isn't taking a position on a casino in his district. Baird says the casino review process is flawed. He said...

Fort Sill Apache Tribe says gaming site is legal (01/15)

The Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma says its off-reservation gaming site in New Mexico is legal. Chairman Jeff Houser said the 30-acre parcel near Deming in southern New Mexico was taken into trust...

Skibine recommended approval of Mohawk casino (01/14)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs official in charge of gaming recommended approval of the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe's off-reservation casino, Indian Country Today reports. George Skibine, the director of the Office of Indian Gaming Management,...

Opinion: Let tribes decide what's best for them (01/14)

"I've got a problem with letting the U.S. government decide what's in the best interest for Indian tribes. This, as opposed to letting the Indian tribes decide for themselves what's in THEIR best interest. How's...

Mohawk Chiefs: Keeping Indians down (01/14)

"We at the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe understand that not everyone can be in favor of casinos, but to call the proposed Monticello casino a "major disaster averted" could not be more off the mark....

Not all tribes oppose BIA off-reservation policy (01/11)

Not all tribes are upset with the Bush administration's new policy that restricts off-reservation gaming. An attorney for the Cayuga Nation of New York said the policy will stop reservation shopping. "We see it as...

Hannahville Indian Community won't stop casino bid (01/11)

A spokesperson for the Hannahville Indian Community said the tribe will continue plans for an off-reservation casino in Romulus, Michigan, despite being rejected by the Bush administration last week. The tribe asked the Bureau of...

Wyandotte Nation dedicates Kansas City casino (01/11)

After years of court battles, the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma dedicated its new casino in Kansas on Thursday. The 7th Street Casino is located on trust land in downtown Kansas City. The 20,000-square-foot ,...

Editorial: Choctaw opportunity in Jackson County (01/10)

"Now that the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs has placed a seemingly insurmountable obstacle in the path of a Choctaw casino in Jackson County, we hope that the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians will not...

Wyandotte Nation reopens Kansas City casino (01/10)

The Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma reopens its casino in Kansas, this evening. The 7th Street Casino is located on trust land in downtown Kansas City. The state of Kansas disputes the legality of the gaming...

St. Regis Mohawk Tribe to sue over BIA denial (01/10)

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe of New York plans to sue the Bush administration for rejecting an off-reservation casino. The tribe wants to build a $600 million casino in the Catskills. But the Bureau...

Editorial: Time to end dream of Barstow casinos (01/10)

"Though supporters are reluctant to admit it, the U.S. Department of the Interior�s rejections of the applications to three tribes to take land in Barstow for off-reservation casinos brings about a likely end to this...

Fort Sill Apache Tribe calls New Mexico casino a test (01/10)

The Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma says its Class II facility in New Mexico is a "test" to determine whether there's a market for gaming. Chairman Jeff Houser said the tribe might move to...

Warm Springs Tribes not worried about BIA policy (01/09)

The Warm Springs Tribes of Oregon are confident their off-reservation casino will survive Bureau of Indian Affairs review, a spokesperson said. The tribes want to have land placed in trust in Cascade Locks. The gaming...

Fort Sill Apache Tribe to open New Mexico casino (01/09)

The Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma is putting up a temporary casino in New Mexico and has plans for a $20 million permanent facility. Work has already begun at the 30-acre site. The...

NIGC to rule on Prairie Band land in Illinois (01/09)

The National Indian Gaming Commission will be deciding on the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation's plans for a gaming facility in Illinois. The tribe is currently based in Kansas. The tribe purchased land in Shabbona, Illinois,...

Editorial: Bush right on off-reservation casinos (01/08)

"Once in a great while, even the Bush administration will present us with a genuine truffle. This unexpected delight comes by way of Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne's denial of a couple of tribal applications for...

No off-reservation casinos in southern New Mexico (01/08)

There won't be any off-reservation casinos in southern New Mexico any time soon thanks to the Bush administration. The Bureau of Indian Affairs on Friday rejected Jemez Pueblo's proposal for a casino in Anthony. The...

Gaming stock plummets after BIA rejection of Mohawks (01/08)

The stock of Empire Resorts fell 54 percent on Monday after the Bureau of Indian Affairs rejected the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe's off-reservation casino in New York. The stock (NYNY) closed at $1.42, its lowest...

BIA says no to off-reservation casinos in Barstow (01/08)

Three tribes sought off-reservation casinos in Barstow, California. The Bureau of Indian Affairs rejected all three last week. The Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians and the Big Lagoon Rancheria sought side-by-side casinos...

Mississippi Choctaw foes pleased with BIA policy (01/08)

Opponents of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians said their voices were heard by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, which rejected an off-reservation casino sought by the tribe. The tribe sought approval to have 61...

Lac Vieux Band seeks off-reservation casino (01/08)

The Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians is seeking an off-reservation casino in Muskegon, Michigan. The tribe plans to spend $10 million to turn an existing building into a Class III...

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