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MAY 21, 2001

Years of mounting legal fees and battles with state and federal officials have lead the Santee Sioux Tribe of Nebraska to get rid of all the slot machines at its tiny casino.

The tribe removed the slots last week and has replaced them with pull-tab machines. The tribe believes these are Class II and, unlike slots, can be operated without a gaming compact with the state.

The state has refused to negotiate a compact with the tribe. Attempts to amend the state constitution to allow Vegas-style gaming in Indian Country have failed.

The tribe had been ordered by federal authorities to shut down the casino, but never did. So a judge imposed heavy fines on them, but not much has been collected.

Still, the tribe said it has suffered economically. Business is down already since the change-over, says chairman Roger Trudell.

Get the Story:
Santee Sioux Tribe Says Tabs in, Slots Out (The Omaha World-Herald 5/21)

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