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South Carolina Tribe Fights for Video Poker6 May 2004SOUTH CAROLINA – As reported by the Charleston Post and Courier: "The Catawba Indian Nation is going to federal court to fight for the right to operate video poker in York County, but the tribe says it really would rather operate a massive electronic bingo hall in Santee. "On Wednesday, the tribe filed a federal lawsuit aimed at making it clear that it has the right, if it chooses, to run video poker on its reservation near Rock Hill. Officials there have threatened to seize poker machines or take other actions to prevent that from happening, according to the suit. "…Tribe representatives say the suit is designed to create a backup plan to the bingo hall, which has been held up by opposition from Gov. Mark Sanford, among others. Opponents have said they fear the bingo operation could usher in full-fledged casino-style gambling. "Jay Bender, an attorney for the tribe, said the Catawbas' existing bingo hall in Rock Hill has been hurt badly by the state lottery and other bingo operations. "…S.C. Attorney General Henry McMaster has said he would argue that the state's ban on video poker covers the Catawba reservation. York County Sheriff Bruce Bryant has said he would enforce that ban. "The tribe disagrees, and the lawsuit is designed to remove any doubt. The right to operate video poker was included in the 1993 settlement that set aside land for the reservation, attorneys said…" |