Delaware land claim clouds fate of slot machine bill

Tuesday, June 15, 2004  

Pennsylvania Republicans say they won't support a bill to legalize slot machines if it includes language authorizing a deal with two Oklahoma tribes.

The Delaware Nation and the Delaware Tribe have laid claim to ancestral land in Pennsylvania. They say they are willing to settle for gaming rights in the state.

Democrat Sen. Vincent Fumo says he wants to make sure the slot machine bill leaves open the possibility for an agreement with the tribes. Otherwise, he says, the tribes would be able to operate casinos without regard for the state if the land claim is deemed valid.

Get the Story:
Indians again an issue in slots negotiations (AP 6/14)
Future of slots bill may not be decided before summer (The Express-Times 6/15)