Pennsylvania slot machine bill said to exclude tribes

Thursday, June 24, 2004  

Republican and Democrat lawmakers in Pennsylvania reached a deal to legalize slot machines but tribes are not included in the proposal, negotiators said.

Sen. Vincent Fumo, a Democrat, wanted the bill to include the Delaware Nation and the Delaware Tribe, both of Oklahoma. The tribes have filed a claim for ancestral territory but are willing to drop it for gaming rights in the state.

But Fumo dropped his request, according to a Republican lawmaker. Republicans opposed a provision for the tribes.

Gov. Ed Rendell (D) has said he will not support the tribes' casino bid.

Get the Story:
Slots of hope: Lawmakers say they have deal (AP 6/24)