Gaming News

Tribe Asks Feds to Keep Casino Open

CALIFORNIA – As reported by the Santa Rosa Press:"Citing economic hardship, Mendocino County supervisors are asking federal officials to keep the embattled Shodakai Casino open while tribal leaders hammer out a gambling compact with the state.

"In a letter to the National Indian Gaming Commission, supervisors warned the closure of the Ukiah-area casino would throw 170 employees out of work.

"However, county officials insisted the board of supervisors was not taking a position on the dispute between the tribe and federal regulators, despite its unanimous vote to send the letter.

"…Supervisors also voted Tuesday to send a letter to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, asking him to expedite compact negotiations with the Coyote Band of Pomo Indians.

"An unresolved, five-year-long battle between the state and the tribe over terms of the compact led federal regulators to order the Shodakai Casino closed this month.

"…The tribe has claimed that members will go without medical treatment and police and fire protection, among other things, if the casino remains closed…"

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