$stalker The city council in Biloxi hired a lawyer to fight the off-reservation casino sought by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

The tribe wants to build a casino on the Gulf Coast, more than 200 miles from the reservation. Religious groups, some local officials and the Gulf casinos are opposing the project.

The tribe owns 100 acres off a major interstate in Ocean Springs. Forty acres are already in trust but the tribe filed a land-into-trust application to convert the site for gaming.

Jackson County plans to hold a referendum in 2008 on the project. The tribe says it won't pursue the casino if voters don't approve. Gov. Haley Barbour (R) has already said he opposes the casino.

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Lawyer hired to fight Choctaws (The Biloxi Herald 12/6)
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