Gaming News

Riverside County sheriff asks U.S. to shut Soboba Casino

SAN JACINTO, California -- As reported by the Press-Enterprise: "Riverside County Sheriff Stanley Sniff has asked the federal government to shut down Soboba Casino on the San Jacinto-area reservation where three tribal members were fatally shot by deputies earlier this year.

"Sniff said Tuesday that tribal leaders have instructed reservation security guards to block deputies serving search warrants or conducting other nonemergency business on the reservation.

"...Tribal officials have said deputies cannot enter the reservation without tribal permission, except when responding to 911 calls or in hot pursuit. The policy came to light just days after the two sides signed a memorandum three weeks ago agreeing to work cooperatively, the Sheriff's Department said, and Sniff wants Soboba Casino closed until the tribe changes that policy.

"...The National Indian Gaming Commission, the federal agency that regulates Indian casinos, confirmed that it has received Sniff's letter and is monitoring the situation.

"...The commission warned the tribe that it ran the risk of closure after the three tribal members were killed in May..."

< Gaming News