Tigua Tribe attracts customers with 'sweepstakes' machines

Monday, April 22, 2013  

The Tigua Tribe is operating two facilities that offer "sweepstakes" machines that the state of Texas contends are illegal.

The tribe offers the machines at the Speaking Rock Entertainment Center and the Socorro Entertainment Center. Attorney Dolph Barnhouse says the terminals are not "gambling" machines and are therefore legal under state law.

“We’ve worked very, very hard to be sure we are in compliance with Texas law,” Barnhouse told El Paso Inc.

Attorney General Greg Abbot disagrees. But the courts so far have declined to take action against the Tiguas like they did when the tribe offered electronic gaming machines that were deemed illegal.

A provision in the laws that restored the tribe to federal recognition bars gaming on the reservation.

Get the Story:
Is that gambling at Speaking Rock? (El Paso Inc 4/22)

Lawmakers in Texas hold first hearing on legalization of casinos (04/11)