Facebook Twitter Email
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2002

Secretary of Interior Gale Norton's decision not to approve or deny the Seneca Nation gaming compact will make legal challenges easier, anti-gaming forces said.

"This is, in my opinion, a cop-out," a state lawmaker and opponent told The Buffalo News.

Norton's action means the compact with the state of New York is "deemed approved." Any provisions that are not consistent with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act can be struck down in court.

A somewhat lengthy decision letter on the issue is expected later today.

Get the Story:
Nondecision allows casino compact to take effect (The Buffalo News 10/25)

Today on Indianz.Com:
Norton hedges on casino deal (10/25)

Relevant Documents:
Seneca Nation Gaming Compact (PDF 1.56MB)

Relevant Links:
Seneca Nation - http://www.sni.org
Indian Gaming Regulatory Act - http://www.nigc.gov/igra1.htm

Related Stories:
Norton passes on Seneca compact (10/24)
Seneca Nation expects casino approvals (09/27)
Challenge could delay Seneca casino (9/20)
Seneca Nation breaks ground on casino (9/19)
Norton warned on Seneca land approval (9/5)
Seneca Nation outlines casino plans (8/21)
Seneca Nation signs casino agreement (8/19)
N.Y. gaming stimulus signed into law (11/1)