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Wisconsin Tribe Ordered to Pay Millions

WISCONSIN – As reported by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: "U.S. Attorney Steve Biskupic said he warned the Forest County Potawatomi tribe this week it must pay the state $40.5 million owed under its gambling compact by June 30, or risk violating federal law.

"The tribe cannot continue to assert it has the right to offer new casino games authorized by its 2003 compact, but also insist it has no obligation to pay the $40.5 million because of a recent state Supreme Court ruling, Biskupic said Thursday.

"…Federal law prevents the Potawatomi from having expanded gaming without making the full payment, according to Biskupic's interpretation.

"Tribal officials have said they would likely pay the state just $6.4 million next month, as a result of the ruling that said Gov. Jim Doyle overstepped his authority in signing gaming compacts with the Potawatomi and other tribes last year.

"…On Thursday, however, Potawatomi Attorney General Jeff Crawford said the lower payment was just one of several options under consideration by the tribe. The tribe hasn't decided how much to pay, Crawford said.

"…Though Biskupic has not made any specific threat he'd attempt to shut down craps and roulette - the new games added last year at the Milwaukee casino - he told tribal officials the status quo cannot continue…"

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