SEARCH NEWS:

 

Louisiana Governor to Oppose Tribal Casino

BATON ROUGE, Louisiana – As reported by the Times-Picayune: "Gov. Kathleen Blanco told the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians on Tuesday that she will oppose any attempt by the tribe to open a casino in Louisiana, according to a public letter sent to the Jena chief.

"Blanco said she has asked Attorney General Charles Foti's office to research whether the state can legally block the tribe from opening a casino.

"…The Jena Band has struggled to open a casino since being recognized by the federal government in 1995. After several failed starts, the tribe has decided to stick with its historical home, asking Blanco to work with them on opening a facility in Grant Parish, a rural parish north of Alexandria that has opposed gambling.

"…Expressing disappointment with Blanco's decision not to negotiate, the tribe's chief and attorney said the Jena Band will press forward.

"This means the tribe likely will sue the state to try to force Blanco to negotiate on an agreement for a full-fledged casino, while in the meantime looking to open up a bingo parlor with new electronic bingo machines that play much like slot machines and have been popular in other states, Chief Christine Norris said…"

< Gaming News