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Gamblers Boycotting Oneida Casino, Tribal Leaders Say14 March 2001ONEIDA, Wisconsin – (Press Release) – March 14, 2001 – As reported by the Associated Press: ``Oneida leaders say some gamblers refuse to play at the Oneida Bingo & Casino because the group is withholding a $4.85 million payment to the state. ``…Oneida General Manager William Gollnick said. `That' s unfortunate because if they actually understood what we' re asking for, and that the funds would come back to the community to benefit the community collectively, I am thinking that feeling would not be there.' ``It also may be a reason casino revenues aren' t meeting this fiscal year' s projections, Oneida leaders said. ``The tribe placed its annual gaming payment, which was included in a 1998 state-tribe gaming compact extension, in an escrow account Dec. 30 and requested a meeting with the governor. ``Former Gov. Tommy Thompson said in January that the state would not renew the tribe' s compact -- which spells out the rules to operate Oneida Bingo & Casino -- when it expires in 2003. ``…Oneida leaders say the state has violated the compact by not ensuring the payment is earmarked according to agreed-upon terms, and by eliminating criminal penalties for operating slot machines in taverns…" |