Response due in Wyandotte Nation off-reservation casino suit

Monday, September 26, 2011  

The Obama administration's response is due today in the Wyandotte Nation off-reservation casino lawsuit.

The tribe acquired 10.5 acres in Park City, Kansas, through a land claim settlement. The law mandates that the Interior Department place the site in trust.

The Bureau of Indian Affairs, however, has failed to take action. The tribe's application has been pending since January 2009.

Generally, land acquired after 1988 can't be used for gaming. But an exception in Section 20(b)(1)(B)(i) of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act allows tribes to open casinos in connection with a land claim settlement.

"It may take us longer than we want it to take," Wyandotte Chief Billy Friend told KWCH 12 Eyewitness News. "But we feel in the end we'll be gaming and operating a nice quality facility in Park City, Kansas."

Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt is trying to join the lawsuit.

Get the Story:
New developments expected in suit over Native American casino (KWCH 9/25)

Related Stories:
Kansas asks to join Wyandotte Nation off-reservation casino suit (9/21)
Wyandotte Nation sues over off-reservation casino application (7/29)
Kansas officials oppose Wyandotte Nation off-reservation casino (9/28)
Editorial: Wyandotte Nation not connected to Kansas casino site (9/13)
Wyandotte Nation adds to land for off-reservation casino in Kansas (9/8)
Wyandotte Nation confident for second out-of-state casino bid (7/2)