Wisconsin Supreme Court deadlocks on gaming suit

Wednesday, March 31, 2004  

The Wisconsin Supreme Court deadlocked 3-3 on Tuesday on a lawsuit challenging the legality of tribal-state gaming compacts.

In a case brought by the owners of a racetrack, the justices were unable to decide whether an amendment to the state's constitution bars expanded gaming authorized by the compacts. So they sent the case back to an appellate court for further review.

The deadlock has some state and tribal officials worried. " Indian gaming in Wisconsin is in grave danger," a tribal attorney told the Associated Press.

The justices did not rule in a case brought by Republican lawmakers who contend the compacts need legislative approval.

A copy of the decision in Dairyland Greyhound Park v. Doyle can be found at http://www.wisbar.org/res/sup/2004/03-0421.htm.

Get the Story:
Supreme Court splits on suit to end casino gambling (AP 3/31)
Casino lawsuit back in appeals court (The Green Bay Press-Gazette 3/31)
Supreme Court has a standoff in casino case (The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel 3/31)