Montana governor opposes expansion of gaming

Wednesday, November 29, 2006  

Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer (D) says he won't support "any expansion" of gaming in the state.

Schweitzer rejected a proposal by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes to increase the number of Class III machines and payouts from the machines. He also said the tribe's request to regulate non-Indian gaming facilities on the Flathead Reservation was "not realistic."

"I'm a friend of Indian Country, but I'm not a friend of gaming," Schweitzer told The Missouian. "I do not support expanded gaming anyplace in Montana and I will not support expanded gaming. I have stood in front of the tribal council and told them I do not support any expansion of gaming."

Schweitzer instead offered to share revenues from gaming and gasoline. But the tribal council rejected the deal as insufficient.

That means Class III gaming on the reservation will have to halt at midnight Thursday, when the compact expires.

Get the Story:
Tribes reject gaming compact (The Missoulian 11/29)