Editorial: Negotiate deal with South Dakota tribes

Monday, March 26, 2007  

"Taken at face value, Gov. Mike Rounds' argument makes some sense. He says the state Constitution calls for limited gaming, so by golly, he's going to do all he can to limit gaming.

Except, apparently, when it comes to the video casinos that seem to be on every corner. Or gambling in Deadwood that is increasing by leaps and bounds.

No, Rounds' determination appears only to concern South Dakota's tribes - eight of the nine have casinos - which want an increase of the current 250-slot machine limit.

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe, frustrated by attempts at negotiating with the state, finally has filed suit in federal court, noting the discrepancy and arguing the state isn't negotiating in good faith as required by federal law. The suit seeks a gaming agreement with the state within 60 days or a mediator to decide.

Rounds contends that he is negotiating in good faith. But it's hard to argue that simply saying "no" is much of a negotiation tactic."

Get the Story:
Editorial: Ease limits on tribal gaming (The Sioux Falls Argus Leader 3/25)