Casino Stalker | Legislation

Indiana lawmakers seek role in Pokagon Band gaming compact

Friday, March 27, 2015

This image shows Alternative A for the land-into-trust site in South Bend, Indiana. No plans have been approved as of yet. Image from Pokagon EIS

Lawmakers in Indiana are considering a bill that would affect a potential Class III gaming compact with the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians.

The tribe has included a $480 million casino in a land-into-trust application that's being considered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. A final decision could be years away but lawmakers are seeking a role in the process.

"We need to do whatever we can, and we know we're limited, in making it not so easy, and make them understand that we are concerned about their developing a casino in South Bend," State Rep. Tom Dermody (R) said at a committee meeting on Thursday, The Northwest Indiana Times reported.

The bill would require the Legislature to ratify a Class III gaming compact that has been negotiated by the governor. The practice is common in other states with existing tribal casinos.

The BIA will be holding a public meeting to discuss the potential casino next month.

Get the Story:
Legislature may get say in approving South Bend tribal casino (The Northwest Indiana Times 3/27)

Federal Register Notices:
Draft Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians Fee-to-Trust Transfer for Tribal Village and Casino, City of South Bend, St. Joseph County, Indiana (March 12, 2015)
Notice of Intent To Prepare an Environmental Impact Statement for the Proposed Pokagon Band Tribal Village Fee-to-Trust Acquisition and Casino Project in the City of South Bend, St. Joseph County, IN (August 24, 2012)