Oneida Nation vows litigation on compact issue

Wednesday, June 13, 2007  

The Oneida Nation of New York vows "a whole lot of litigation" if the Interior Department tries to close the Turning Stone Resort Casino, a tribal attorney said.

The casino opened under a 1993 compact with the state that was approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. But since the state courts have invalidated the agreement, the BIA says it will reconsider its approval.

A decision is expected on Thursday. No one expects the casino to immediately close but the tribe is preparing to fight to keep Turning Stone, which employs 4,000 people, up and running.

The tribe could sign a new compact with the state but faces increased pressure to share revenues from Class III machines.

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Turning Stone Decision Thursday (The Syracuse Post-Standard 6/13)