The Interior Department won't rescind its approval for the Oneida Nation's gaming compact with the state of New York.

Associate deputy secretary Jim Cason said it was too late to review the 1993 deal. There is no mechanism in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to revoke compacts, he told the tribe [PDF].

The tribe hailed the decision. "I want you to know from me personally that your jobs are safe," nation representative Ray Halbritter told employees, The Syracuse Post-Standard reported. The Turning Stone Resort Casino employs 5,000 people

The tribe vowed it would go to court to keep the facility open if DOI rescinded its approval of the compact, which was invalidated in the state courts.

Get the Story:
Turning Stone Allowed To Continue Operating (The Syracuse Post-Standard 6/14)
Turning Stone declared legal (The Utica Observer-Dispatch 6/14)
Elation, frustration follow federal decision (The Utica Observer-Dispatch 6/14)
Feds say casino compact valid (The Oneida Dispatch 6/14)
Oneidas cheer casino ruling (The Albany Times-Union 6/14)
Federal decision validates casino (AP 6/14)
Turning Stone can stay open (News 10 Now 6/13)