A top lawmaker says the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has a right to build a new casino on its reservation.

Rep. Bobby Moak (D) is the chairman of the House Gaming Committee and a gaming law expert. He said the tribe's gaming rights -- including the Class III compact with the state -- have been upheld in the courts.

The tribe is moving forward with a casino near Sandersville, in Jones County. The site is considered part of the reservation although it is not contiguous to the main reservation.

The site is about 80 miles from tribal headquarters in Philadelphia, where the tribe operates two casinos. Gov. Haley Barbour (R) says the new development does not fit in the state's policy of "destination" or "resort" gambling.

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Chairman backs Choctaw casino (The Hattiesburg American 7/20)

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