Fort Sill Apache Tribe still waiting on gaming at New Mexico site

Monday, February 28, 2011  

The Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma is still waiting to find out whether it can offer gaming at a site in New Mexico.

The tribe offered paper bingo at the Apache Homelands Entertainment Center until National Indian Gaming Commission ordered the games to stop in July 2009. The issue hasn't been resolved but the tribe maintains it can use the land for gaming.

The tribe's land was placed in trust in 2002. The New Mexico House passed a non-binding memorial that recognizes the tribe's presence in the state.

"It doesn't seem like it would be that significant," Chairman Jeff Houser told The Las Cruces Sun-News. "Except, when we've been portrayed as outsiders, the acknowledgment from the House of Representatives that we are a federally recognized tribe is a positive step."

Get the Story:
House: Fort Sill tribe has stake in NM (The Las Cruces Sun-News 2/26)

Relevant Documents:
Notice of Violation: Fort Sill Apache Tribe (July 21, 2009)

Related Stories:
NIGC cites 'broken promises' in ruling against casino (5/22)