The Tigua Tribe of Texas lost its casino in a court battle with the state and millions of dollars in a swindle by convicted lobbyist Jack Abramoff.

The money is supposed to be paid back in restitution but the tribe is still working on getting the casino reopened. With the support of local governments in the El Paso-area and just across the border in New Mexico, the tribe wants to negotiate a gaming compact with the state.

The compact might be a tough sell since Gov. Rick Perry (R) opposes the idea. Another route would be a constitutional amendment to legalize gaming for the tribe.

The tribe could also go to Congress to amend its federal recognition act but face a major opponent in Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas). As attorney general of Texas, he sued to close the Speaking Rock Casino.

Meanwhile, the tribe is exploring options through the Interior Department, which can step in and issue Class III rules if the state refuses to negotiate.

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Tiguas work toward re-opening Speaking Rock (The El Paso Times 1/16)