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Legal Analysis Supports Slots for South Carolina Tribe

SOUTH CAROLINA – As reported by the Associated Press: "There is no current state law barring the Catawba Indian Nation from operating video gambling machines on reservation land, according to an attorney hired by a conservative think tank.

"Some elected officials in South Carolina say a state law that banned the games three years ago covers the Catawbas.

"But a new report by the South Carolina Policy Council finds that only a change in state law can prohibit the tribe from operating video gambling machines on federally regulated lands.

"A 1993 settlement agreement reached with the state allows the Catawbas to operate video gambling machines even in counties where it is prohibited, Greenville attorney Wallace K. Lightsey wrote in an analysis prepared last month for the group.

"…The Policy Council asked Lightsey, who it described as `a noted legal scholar,' to look at the issue after an attorney for the Catawbas said the tribe could bring video gambling to its Rock Hill bingo hall, said Policy Council President Ed McMullen.

"…Lightsey's analysis does not carry the force of law, but it does show that video gambling poses an imminent threat, McMullen said.

"…The Catawbas are seeking to build a bingo hall in Santee off Interstate 95 where the tribe could offer unlimited jackpots, employ as many as 1,000 people and operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

"…The tribe is only interested in seeking video gambling on its Rock Hill reservation if it is unable to build a high-stakes bingo hall in Santee, Catawba Chief Gilbert Blue said. The Catawbas aren't offering any sort of threat but simply need a way to replace lost revenue, Blue said…"

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