Mississippi governor defines meaning of 'casino' in 1992 compact

Thursday, August 5, 2010  

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)

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