The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday refused to hear the Oneida Nation's appeal of a lawsuit that challenged the legality of the Turning Stone Resort and Casino.

The New York courts ruled that the tribe's gaming compact was invalid under state law. A judge also said the casino was not operating on Indian land.

The tribe appealed to the Supreme Court but the justices, without comment, refused the petition. The anti-treaty group, Upstate Citizens for Equality, said the move means the casino has to be shut down.

Incoming governor Eliot Spitzer has said he won't shut down the casino. The tribe's land-into-trust request for the casino and 17,000 acres is being considered by the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

Get the Story:
High court rejects Oneida appeal (The Albany Times-Union 12/5)
What's Next for Turning Stone? (The Syracues Post-Standard 12/5)
Fred LeBrun: This stone is still left unturned (The Albany Times-Union 12/5)
Court refuses to consider case on Oneida Indian Nation (AP 12/4)