SEARCH NEWS:

 

Montana Casino Owners Fear Gaming Machine Ban

MONTANA – As reported by the Lake County Leader Advertiser: "The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the state have yet to reach an agreement on gaming negotiations and many area bar and restaurant owners fear a Class III gaming prohibition, which could drastically affect their revenue.

"The tribe and state have until Nov. 30 before their contract expires, but another meeting has yet to be scheduled, said state negotiator Deanne Sandholm.

"…If the state and Tribes fail to come up with a new contract, the plug would be pulled on all Class III gaming on the reservation, which includes casino-type games such as video keno and poker. The tribes want jurisdiction over all gaming on the reservation and to increase the number of machines as well as maximum bets and payouts. As it is, the state limits the number of tribal gaming machines and puts a cap on maximum bets and payouts. These are the key issues in the discussions, said Sandholm.

"With less than two months to come to an agreement, many business owners are trying to figure out ways to compensate for the potential loss of gaming profits. Several said they'll have to let several employees go or cut back hours. Others said they plan on having specials, live entertainment and games to draw in customers…"

< Gaming News