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Iowa Tribe Gets Warning

IOWA – As reported by the Des Moines Register: "State regulators are warning the Winnebago Indian tribe that its gambling compact with the state will be in jeopardy if the tribe continues to allow gamblers younger than 21 at its casino near Sloan.

"The Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals sent a letter telling the tribe it must assure the state by Wednesday that its policy has changed, or the compact could be terminated.

"…The Winnebago tribe contends it isn't bound by the state's gambling laws because of tribal sovereignty.

"So it has ignored the law since 1999. That's the year the tribe lowered the minimum age to 18 in an effort to increase its market share in western Iowa.

"…Also, the tribe is asking to renegotiate the compact so it can secure financing for a major expansion. The expansion would include a hotel and convention complex.

"…Indian casinos are not regulated by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission like Prairie Meadows and other gambling operations. But the Winnebago and other tribes must sign a compact with the state outlining under what terms gambling operations are to be run…"

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