"With opposition organizing and expanding in Jones County, the proposed expansion of Choctaw tribal gaming onto the Bogue Homa reservation near Sandersville by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians continues to draw political heat that centers on three main questions:

# Is the 1992 tribal gaming compact between the state and the Choctaw tribe valid and do the Choctaws have the right to expand gaming beyond the Pearl River reservation in Neshoba County where they already operate the Silver Star and Golden Moon casinos?

# Who will pay for additional infrastructure, law enforcement and public safety costs generated by the proposed casino?

# Does the proposed casino have the support of the majority of the tribe?

The Choctaw tribe has announced that the new gaming facility in Jones County will include 500-700 slot machines and video poker machines and a snack shop inside a 27,000 square foot metal building with a brick facade. According to the tribe, the casino would employ about 250 people and would represent an $18 million investment.

However, opposition has been organizing. Jones County residents who oppose the proposed casino have organized a public meeting Monday at 7 p.m. at the Cameron Center in Laurel, according to a group identifying itself as the Mississippi Coalition for Family and Community Values.

In a press release from the group - which has a website at mscfcv.org - two Jones County residents spoke of their opposition to the new casino."

Get the Story:
Sid Salter: Tribal gaming compact: Choctaws face a battle (The Jackson Clarion Ledger 7/11)
Salter: Other challenges failed (The Jackson Clarion Ledger 7/11)

Also Today:
Views divided on casino (The Hattiesburg American 7/11)

More Opinions:
Bob Martin: Choctaw gambling moving closer (The Madison County Record 7/9)
Tammy Robinson: Self-determination for me, not you (The Laurel Leader-Call 7/11)

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Mississippi governor plans to fight proposed Choctaw casino (6/11)
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