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MONDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2001

The Santee Sioux Tribe of Nebraska has finally won a battle in its long running casino war with the United States.

A federal judge on Friday ruled the tribe's "Lucky Tab 2" machines could be operated without a Class III gaming compact. U.S. District Judge Joseph F. Bataillon said a National Indian Gaming Commission classification opinion and other federal rulings supported his decision.

The U.S. Attorneys office in Nebraska, however, may appeal. So far, the federal government has frozen 23 tribal accounts. Tribal leaders have said the seizing has hurt almost every aspect of the tribe's economy and services.

Despite the ruling, Class III gaming could still be made available to the tribe. Initiatives to allow legalization of slot machines are being pushed in the state, although Gov. Mike Johanns does not support them.

Get the Story:
What should be state of state gambling? (AP 12/9)
Santee win legal battle over casino (The Lincoln Journal Star 12/8)
Court OKs Santees' pull-tab machines (The Omaha World-Herald 12/7)

From Native America Calling:
Gambling on Good Faith (October 4, 1999)

Relevant Links:
The Santee Sioux Tribe - http://www.santeedakota.org

Related Stories:
Santee Sioux win casino fight (12/7)
Neb. governor opposes slots (11/20)
Neb. tribes may get gaming after all (11/9)
Neb. group eyeing video gaming (11/6)
Santee casino debate back in court (11/1)
8th Circuit nominee sails through hearing (7/25)
Editorial: No justice for Santee Sioux (7/10)
Feds say Santee casino still illegal (7/9)
Santee Sioux leaders found in contempt of court (6/22)
Santee Tribe owes $4.6 million (5/29)
Santee casino gets rid of slots (5/21)
Bill to restore Santee jurisdiction (3/1)
Neb. gaming amendment debated (2/6)
Support for Neb. gaming amendment sought (1/11)