Business Deals | Litigation | Regulation

Pojoaque Pueblo loses decision in gaming agreement case

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Pojoaque Pueblo in New Mexico failed to follow its own laws when it revoked the gaming license of a consulting company, a judge for the tribe's court ruled on Monday.

The tribe hired The Fine Point Group to manage the Buffalo Thunder Resort and Casino in January 2010. The relationship quickly turned sour and the tribe fired the firm in March of that year.

The tribe, however, didn't abide by its gaming regulations in ending the relationship, Judge June Lorenzo concluded. Specifically, the tribe failed to issue "written findings of fact, conclusions of law, and an order" before revoking the license, the decision stated.

As a result, Lorenzo said the decision to revoke The Fine Point Group's license was not "final." Therefore, the license remains valid, she wrote.

Gov. George Rivera said the Pueblo of Pojoaque Gaming Commission, the defendant in the dispute, will appeal the decision to the tribal council. "The council is the final say so on businesses and commissions. I'm confident that we will win the end," he told The Santa Fe New Mexican.

The firm has accused Rivera of interfering with the casino operations. "We are hopeful that with this definitive ruling, delivered by a judge hand-selected by the Pueblo itself, the Pueblo will demand that Mr. Rivera's conduct cease and the situation amicably resolved," attorney Dennis Whittlesey said in a press release.

After The Fine Point Group was ousted, the tribe hired Full House Resorts to run the casino for three years. The firm has management experience in Indian Country.

Get the Story:
Pojoaque Tribal Court rules in favor of casino consultant in dispute (The Santa Fe New Mexican 12/13)
Tribal Judge Rules Against Pojoaque (The Albuquerque Journal 12/13)