The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians signed a Class III gaming compact in 1992 and Gov. Haley Barbour (R) is offering a newcomers' interpretation of the deal.

The compact doesn't dictate the type of gaming facility the tribe can build. But Barbour said that doesn't mean the tribe can do whatever it wants on the reservation.

"My view is that when Gov. Fordice and [late] Chief [Phil] Martin entered into the contract, while it did not specify all the requirements for a casino, when they used the word 'casino' they used it in a way that had already been established by the state," said Barbour, The Neshoba Democrat reported

Barbour said the compact envisioned facilities like the two resorts that the tribe operates at its headquarters in Philadelphia. He said a proposed slot machine facility near Sandersville doesn't qualify as a "casino."

The tribe plans to spend $18 million on the the 27,000-square-foot facility

Get the Story:
Barbour says Tribe should vote on casino (The Neshoba Democrat 8/4)

Related Stories:
Photo shows construction work at Mississippi Choctaw gaming site (8/4)
Mississippi governor calls for Choctaw Band to vote on new casino (7/30)
AG: Lawsuit against Mississippi Choctaw casino could be frivolous (7/29)
Editorial: Lawsuit on Mississippi Choctaw casino all about politics (7/28)
Mississippi governor announces lawsuit over new Choctaw casino (7/27)
Editorial: Law appears to be on side of Mississippi Choctaw casino (7/26)
State lawmaker backs Mississippi Choctaws in casino controversy (7/20)
Mississippi AG concludes no way to challenge new Choctaw casino (7/19)
Mississippi governor asks NIGC to block work on Choctaw facility (7/16)
State officials send another letter on Mississippi Choctaw casino (7/14)
Mississippi Choctaws discuss Class II facility with local officials (7/13)
Column: Mississippi Choctaw casino bid heads toward litigation (7/12)
Mississippi Choctaw election commission denies vote on casino (7/8)
County approves resolution against Mississippi Choctaw casino (7/7)
Mississippi Choctaw election commission considers casino vote (7/1)
Column: Governor threatens Mississippi Choctaws over casino (6/28)
Editorial: Mississippi Choctaws go 'low-rent' with casino plans (6/25)
Mississippi Choctaw members seek referendum on casino bid (6/24)
Mississippi governor promises legal action on Choctaw casino (6/23)
State official questions Mississippi Choctaw casino compact (6/21)
Editorial: Local input needed for Mississippi Choctaw casino (6/14)
Mississippi governor plans to fight proposed Choctaw casino (6/11)
Mississippi Choctaw leaders back casino off main reservation (6/9)
Opinion: Mississippi Choctaw casino will hurt the community (5/31)
Letter: Mississippi Choctaws look out for their communities (5/24)
Letter: Mississippi Choctaw casino will hurt local community (5/21)
Mississippi Choctaw council delays action on casino project (5/20)
Church groups line up to oppose Mississippi Choctaw casino (5/19)
Mississippi Choctaw tribal council delays vote on casino bid (5/11)
Mississippi Choctaw tribal council to vote on casino plans (5/7)
Mississippi Choctaws planning casino off main reservation (5/5)