Attorney general weighs
in on Indian gaming
Attorney General Henry McMaster is optimistic the state could prevent
the Catawba Indian Nation from opening a video gambling operation
on its reservation, but he concedes the case is complex.
(PRWEB) April 23, 2004 -- Attorney general weighs in on Indian gaming
Attorney General Henry McMaster is optimistic the state could prevent
the Catawba Indian Nation from opening a video gambling operation
on its reservation, but he concedes the case is complex.
The Catawbas have said if they can't build a proposed high-stakes
bingo hall in Santee, they are interested in seeking video gambling
on their Rock Hill reservation.
The tribe, which currently operates a bingo hall in Rock Hill, has
said it needs to make up revenue lost since the state began its lottery
and relaxed rules for other bingo halls, undercutting the competitive
advantage guaranteed to the tribe a decade ago.
Under that 1993 settlement agreement, the Catawbas contend they have
a right to a video gambling operation on the reservation, even though
the state banned the machines in 2000.
McMaster said he would argue that once the 2000 ban went into place,
"video poker did not continue to be legal on the reservation."