Jan
23
2008
In prior posts, we've mentioned the recent activity of the Interior Department. We've also talked about the prospects for Indian gaming in Massachusetts.Off-Reservation Gaming
Breaking News: Interior Disapproves Catskills Casino Plans
Jan
8
2008
Late Friday, the Department of Interior issued a letter rejecting the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe's plan for an off-reservation casino in the Catskills.Secretary Kempthorne Under Fire for Delays on "Off-Reservation" Casinos
Jan
3
2008
In New York and Wisconsin, tribes are growing tired of waiting for Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne to issue decisions on "off-reservation" casino proposals.The St. Croix Chippewa Indian Tribe in Wisconsin has had a proposal for a casino near Beloit in the works for some seven years, while the St. Regis Mohawk proposal for a casino in New York's Catskills region dates back to 1996.
Interesting NIGC Reasoning on the Seneca Nation
Aug
10
2007
A couple of days ago, we posted on NIGC’s recent approval letter for the Seneca Nation to open the Buffalo Creek Casino on newly acquired lands. The NIGC determined that the land in question fell within an exception to IGRA's general prohibition against gaming on newly acquired lands.Interestingly, the NIGC stated, "In addition to the current exercises of governmental power, by operating and regulating gaming, which is a governmental function under IGRA, the Nation will exercise governmental authority over the lands."
The Seneca Nation and "Off-Reservation" Gaming in New York
Aug
8
2007
Whaddaya get when you go on vacation? A whole lot of new events related to Indian gaming! Look for a flurry of posts as we try to catch you up!In July, the NIGC issued an approval letter for the Seneca Nation to open the Buffalo Creek Casino on newly acquired lands. The NIGC determined that the land in question fell within an exception to IGRA's general prohibition against gaming on newly acquired lands.
A Case to Watch . . . .
Jul
25
2007
The U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit issued a decision, following an en banc hearing, in Carcieri v. Kempthorne last week. This case stems from the 1998 decision of the Interior Secretary to take into trust a 32-acre parcel of land in Charlestown, Rhode Island, for the benefit of the Narragansett Tribe. The tribe had purchased the parcel in 1991, and pursued trust status so that it could use the land for housing. The Secretary took the land into trust under 25 U.S.C. Senecas Open Temporary Casino After NIGC Ruling
Jul
4
2007
In Buffalo, the Seneca Nation has opened a temporary casino following a National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) ruling that the tribe’s new land falls under one of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act’s small number of exceptions for opening a gaming facility on newly acquired land. The Seneca Buffalo Creek Casino has just 124 slot machines, but the Senecas plan to build a $125 million casino and entertainment complex that is expected to create 1,000 new jobs.