Santee Sioux Tribe settles gaming suit with U.S.

Friday, February 18, 2005  

The Santee Sioux Tribe and the U.S. Attorney for Nebraska have reached a settlement in their long-standing gaming dispute.

The federal government sued the tribe in 1996 for operating Class III games at its casino without a tribal-state compact. Tribal leaders were held in contempt and their assets were seized when a court that the operation was illegal.

The litigation continued even after the tribe removed the games and replaced them with pull-tab machines. An appeals court ruled the games were lawful Class II. The Bush administration took the case to the U.S. Supreme Court but it was refused.

Under the settlement, the tribe is relieved of all contempt fines and charges. The government will release all garnishments and liens on tribal assets and property. The tribe has agreed to give up court fees it won in a recent judgment.

Get the Story:
U.S., Santee end dispute over casino (The Omaha World-Herald 2/18)
U.S. Attorney, Santee Sioux reach gaming settlement (AP 2/18)