Indian Gaming Litigation

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Sault Ste. Marie Tribe wins major victory in homelands litigation

The Trump administration's disjointed tribal homelands policy continues to crumble amid scrutiny in the courts and in Indian Country.

Posted: March 6, 2020

Oklahoma governor won't let Indian ancestry doubts derail gaming dispute

Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) is a citizen of the Cherokee Nation but the tribe once tried to remove his ancestors from their rolls.

Posted: March 2, 2020

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe loses appeal in homelands case

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe isn't giving up despite a negative ruling from a federal appeals court.

Posted: March 2, 2020

'I don't think he can spell sovereignty': Oklahoma governor faces fire in high-profile gaming dispute

Tribal leaders ripped Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt (R) to shreds in a blockbuster story that raises significant doubts about the Cherokee ancestry of the state's top executive.

Posted: February 20, 2020

NCAI stands with tribes in high-profile gaming dispute in Oklahoma

The National Congress of American Indians is throwing its weight behind tribes in Oklahoma as they deal with one of the greatest threats to their sovereignty.

Posted: February 18, 2020

Republican leader agrees with tribes in gaming compact dispute

A key Republican lawmaker is siding with tribes in an ongoing Class III gaming compact dispute in Oklahoma.

Posted: January 29, 2020

Alabama-Coushatta Tribe turns to Congress after hitting end of road at Supreme Court

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe won't be able to argue for its gaming rights at the nation's highest court.

Posted: January 27, 2020

Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe defends sovereignty in gaming case

Class II gaming is not subject to state or local jurisdiction but a federal judge is trying to force the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe to cede authority anyway.

Posted: January 27, 2020

Kevin Stitt: Tribes must share more gaming revenues with Oklahoma

The Native American governor of Oklahoma took office a year ago. His relationship with tribes hasn't been the greatest.

Posted: January 27, 2020

Oklahoma's gaming fight is about people’s lives

According to the U.S. Department of Labor and Statistics, about 1,900 Oklahomans earn their living as Class III gaming dealers.

Posted: January 14, 2020

Tribes sue Oklahoma governor to protect Class III gaming rights

The Cherokee Nation, Chickasaw Nation, the Choctaw Nation are suing the Republican governor of Oklahoma as a gaming impasse enters the new year.

Posted: January 6, 2020

John Berrey: Oklahoma governor threatens tribal economies

The Oklahoma governor’s actions have begun threatening the stability of tribal gaming, and thereby the revenue bases of tribal governments and the countless gaming industry jobs across the state that provide livelihoods to Oklahomans.

Posted: January 1, 2020

Bay Mills Indian Community wins ruling in long-running gaming case

A long-running dispute between the Bay Mills Indian Community and the state of Michigan has been revived, giving the tribe a win in a casino controversy that once went to the nation's highest court.

Posted: December 16, 2019

Alabama-Coushatta Tribe asks Supreme Court to hear sovereignty case

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe is turning to the nation's highest court for help with its disputed casino in Texas.

Posted: October 1, 2019

Scotts Valley Band sues Trump administration over homelands decision

The Scotts Valley Band of Pomo Indians is in court to defend plans for a casino in the Bay Area of California.

Posted: August 29, 2019

Ponca Tribe faces more litigation as opponents continue to fight casino

Opponents in Iowa and Nebraska aren't heeding the Ponca Tribe's call for a more cooperative relationship when it comes to gaming.

Posted: August 28, 2019

Cayuga Nation sues cable network over portrayal in 'Billions' show

A popular cable series did little to disguise the identity of the 'Cayuga' people who were depicted in a recent episode.

Posted: August 13, 2019

Ponca Tribe scores another legal victory against casino opponents

The Ponca Tribe can continue to operate its gaming facility on its homelands in Iowa.

Posted: August 13, 2019

Non-Indian gaming company sues Trump administration over tribal agreements

A non-Indian company is still trying to derail the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe.

Posted: August 7, 2019

Senate panel moves quickly on Trump nominee for National Indian Gaming Commission

Sequoyah Simermeyer is well on his way to becoming the first Republican-chosen leader of the National Indian Gaming Commission in more than a decade.

Posted: July 29, 2019

RECAP: National Indian Gaming Commission nominee outlines vision in Trump era

National Indian Gaming Commission nominee Sequoyah Simermeyer sidestepped two major issues at a sparsely-attended confirmation hearing on Capitol Hill.

Posted: July 25, 2019

Tribes in Texas take a big step forward for their inherent sovereignty

A bill recognizing the inherent rights of two tribes in Texas is slated for passage in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Posted: July 24, 2019

Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe continues to fight for gaming rights

The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe plans to appeal a judge's decision that places construction of a long-awaited casino under local jurisdiction.

Posted: July 17, 2019

Wilton Rancheria remains optimistic for long-awaited casino

The Wilton Rancheria continues to plan for a late 2020 opening for its casino amid ongoing litigation filed by opponents in California.

Posted: July 16, 2019

'We are thrilled': Spokane Tribe prevails in challenge to new casino

The Spokane Tribe has rebuffed a rival Indian nation's lawsuit.

Posted: July 15, 2019

Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe told to seek local permits to build casino

Despite winning a landmark sovereignty case, the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe is being forced to seek local approval to construct a building that will house a Class II gaming facility.

Posted: June 20, 2019

Seneca Nation challenges $256 million gaming award after appeal to Trump falters

After sharing $1.4 billion in gaming revenues with the state of New York, the Seneca Nation is saying no more.

Posted: June 10, 2019

Muscogee (Creek) Nation renews lawsuit over desecration of burial ground

A completed casino expansion on Creek territory in Alabama continues to generate friction between two tribes.

Posted: June 5, 2019

'You were right and I was wrong': Judge concedes to Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe

The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe was back in court to defend its sovereignty amid opposition to a long-delayed gaming facility.

Posted: May 31, 2019

Comanche Nation 'disappointed' with end to dispute over rival tribal casino

The Comanche Nation has hit the end of the road with its challenge to another tribe's casino.

Posted: May 30, 2019

Timbisha Shoshone Tribe sues Trump administration over stalled casino

Is a prominent Republican lawmaker from California holding back the Timbisha Shoshone Tribe?

Posted: May 29, 2019

Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe pushes back opening date of long-awaited casino

The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe is heading back to court to defend its sovereignty.

Posted: May 29, 2019

Open Secrets: Lobbyists rely on Trump administration to block tribal projects

Non-Indian interests have hired lobbyists close to President Donald Trump in hopes of derailing tribes. The strategy appears to be working.

Posted: May 23, 2019

Mayor: Ponca Tribe brings hope to the local community with casino

The Prairie Flower Casino represents much-needed economic development on a plot of land that was previously sitting vacant.

Posted: May 21, 2019

Pauma Band hits end of the line with labor sovereignty case

It wasn't all good news from the U.S. Supreme Court as the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians was turned away in a closely-watched labor sovereignty case.

Posted: May 20, 2019

Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe back in court to defend gaming rights

The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe is being forced to defend its sovereignty again.

Posted: May 6, 2019

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe welcomes movement on bill to protect homelands

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is seeing progress on a bill to protect its reservation from being taken out of trust.

Posted: May 2, 2019

Ponca Tribe scores another decision in favor of gaming rights

The Ponca Tribe can engage in gaming on its trust land in Iowa, federal regulators ruled for a third time in the long-running saga.

Posted: May 2, 2019

Settlement reached in sovereign immunity case that went to Supreme Court

A non-Indian couple who were involved in an accident with a tribal casino employee are receiving $110,000.

Posted: May 1, 2019

Stockbridge-Munsee Community loses ruling over rival casino project

The Stockbridge-Munsee Community has once again lost a challenge to a Ho-Chunk Nation casino expansion project.

Posted: May 1, 2019

Supreme Court won't hear dispute over slip and fall at Navajo Nation casino

The Navajo Nation has prevailed in a lawsuit that tested its sovereign immunity.

Posted: April 23, 2019

New Interior leader had 'absolutely nothing to do with' stalled tribal casino

David Bernhardt gets credit for doing a lot at the Department of the Interior. Except when it might get him into trouble.

Posted: April 17, 2019

Quinault Nation accuses software company of illegal 'skins gambling'

A popular video game is at the center of a lawsuit filed by the Quinault Nation.

Posted: April 15, 2019

Comanche Nation asks Supreme Court to hear dispute over rival tribe's casino

The Comanche Nation is trying to keep a dispute over a new Chickasaw Nation casino alive in the court system.

Posted: April 8, 2019

Tribes win decision over millions of dollars in revenues demanded by New Mexico

A federal judge has sided with six tribes in a dispute over more than $60 million in gaming revenues in New Mexico.

Posted: April 2, 2019

Ponca Tribe remains confident after judge's ruling affecting new casino

A new court decision doesn't undermine the Ponca Tribe's sovereignty or its gaming rights, Chairman Larry Wright Jr said.

Posted: March 29, 2019

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe awaits action on bill to keep reservation in trust

A bill to protect the homelands of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe continues to generate controversy on Capitol Hill.

Posted: March 28, 2019

Ponca Tribe sees setback with federal judge's decision on new casino

As the descendants of Ponca Chief Standing Bear recover from disastrous flooding, a federal judge has cast doubt on their new gaming facility.

Posted: March 27, 2019

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe welcomes movement on bill to keep reservation in trust

The federal government hasn't taken a tribe's trust land out of trust since the termination era but it could happen in the Trump administration.

Posted: March 19, 2019

Frank's Landing Indian Community loses decision in sovereignty case

The Frank's Landing Indian Community cannot engage in gaming on its homelands in Washington state, according to a federal appeals court.

Posted: March 13, 2019

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe no longer being financed by backer of stalled casino

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe continues to see setbacks as it battles the Trump administration in court.

Posted: March 4, 2019

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe faces new obstacle in bid to protect homelands

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is facing a familiar foe as it seeks to prevent its reservation from being taken out of trust by the Trump administration.

Posted: February 18, 2019

'Significant political pressure': Former Secretary Zinke under scrutiny in tribal lawsuit

Ryan Zinke has left the Trump administration but his Indian Country legal troubles are far from over.

Posted: February 15, 2019

Chicken Ranch Rancheria undertakes casino expansion with eye toward future growth

The Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians is making plans to grow the tribal economy.

Posted: February 4, 2019

'Tribal Winds': Long-delayed gaming project back on the agenda in Connecticut

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe are renewing efforts to open a casino that has been stalled by the Trump administration.

Posted: January 28, 2019

Wilton Rancheria scores another win in long-running fight over homelands

Opponents of the Wilton Rancheria are on the losing end of yet another ruling in federal court.

Posted: January 25, 2019

Ponca Tribe continues to see strong business at long-awaited casino

Litigation isn't stopping the Ponca Tribe from welcoming customers to its casino in Iowa.

Posted: January 11, 2019

Democrats opposed bill to protect homelands of Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

Democrats from Rhode Island are making it clear that they do not #StandWithMashpee or with a tribe in their own backyard.

Posted: January 11, 2019

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe welcomes introduction of homelands legislation

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is in danger of seeing its homelands taken out of trust for the first time since the termination era.

Posted: January 9, 2019

Cowlitz Tribe told to turn over video of alleged attack at casino

Video of an alleged attack at the Cowlitz Tribe's casino in Washington has been ordered to be released.

Posted: January 8, 2019

Tribes see decline in revenues as new casino remains in limbo

When it comes to gaming, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe didn't have such a great 2018.

Posted: January 7, 2019

Comanche Nation loses bid to derail rival tribe's casino

The Comanche Nation has been turned away by yet another federal court as another tribe's gaming empire continues to grow.

Posted: December 17, 2018

Tribes welcome bill to advance casino stalled by Trump administration

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe are tired of waiting on the Trump administration.

Posted: December 13, 2018

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe warns of losses due to stalled casino

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is facing a bleak winter thanks to the Trump administration.

Posted: December 10, 2018

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe still working with backer of derailed casino

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe isn't the only one reeling from the Trump administration's termination-era decisions.

Posted: December 4, 2018

Forest County Potawatomi Tribe updates gaming agreement

The Forest County Potawatomi Tribe is once again trying to protect its gaming facility in a lucrative urban market.

Posted: November 27, 2018

Pueblo of Pojoaque still fighting for $10.1 million in seized revenues

The Pueblo of Pojoaque has lost millions of dollars for attempting to defend its gaming rights in New Mexico.

Posted: November 19, 2018

Tribes see another decline in slot machine revenues in Connecticut

The two tribal casinos in Connecticut each reported a 10 percent decline in slot machine revenues, a sign of growing competition in New England.

Posted: November 15, 2018

Cowlitz Tribe sues to block release of video of alleged attack

The Cowlitz Tribe doesn't want video of an alleged attack at its casino being made public.

Posted: November 13, 2018

News reports link Secretary Zinke's criminal woes to tribal gaming

A tribal lobbying scandal during the George W. Bush era led to criminal indictments. It looks like another one is brewing in the nation's capital.

Posted: November 1, 2018

A symbol of sovereignty: Ponca Tribe comes full circle with Prairie Flower

The descendants of Chief Standing Bear are celebrating the debut of a long-awaited casino on their homelands.

Posted: November 1, 2018

'At this point, we're suing': Tribes upset with handling of non-Indian gaming facilities

Tribes are threatening to sue the state of California for failing to crack down on non-Indian card rooms.

Posted: October 29, 2018

Ponca Tribe sets November 1 opening for long-awaited casino

History has come full circle for the descendants of Ponca Chief Standing Bear.

Posted: October 29, 2018

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation seeks to revive gaming lawsuit

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is firing back at the Trump administration as plans for a new casino remain in limbo.

Posted: October 17, 2018

Poarch Band of Creek Indians defends sovereignty in immunity case

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is asking the nation's highest court to correct a sovereign immunity decision.

Posted: October 10, 2018

Leaders of Pinoleville Pomo Nation can be sued for alleged fraud

A gaming developer claims it invested nearly $5.4 million in a casino that never got off the ground.

Posted: October 8, 2018

Muscogee (Creek) Nation moves foward with charges in criminal case

A dispute over gaming on Indian allotments in Oklahoma has spawned a messy mix of litigation in tribal and federal court.

Posted: October 3, 2018

Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation sees setback in case against Trump administration

The Trump administration has delayed a tribally-owned casino in Connecticut, a move that benefits a non-Indian rival.

Posted: October 2, 2018

Stockbridge-Munsee Band takes gaming dispute to appeals court

The Stockbridge-Munsee Community is trying to revive an inter-tribal gaming dispute in Wisconsin after losing a major decision in court.

Posted: September 27, 2018

Ponca Tribe inches closer to opening of long-awaited casino

Anticipation is building as the Ponca Tribe prepares to open the Prairie Flower Casino in Iowa.

Posted: September 18, 2018

Comanche Nation heads to court to battle Chickasaw Nation casino

The Comanche Nation says it wasn't consulted before the Chickasaw Nation acquired land for yet another casino.

Posted: September 18, 2018

United Keetoowah Band eyes casino amid questions about land

The United Keetoowah Band is proposing a casino amid questions about its homelands in northeastern Oklahoma.

Posted: September 17, 2018

Trump administration supports sovereignty for tribes in Texas

Two tribes whose casinos are being threatened with closure are getting a big assist from Washington.

Posted: September 14, 2018

Tohono O'odham Nation wins approval to restore more homelands

The Trump administration is facing fire for its tribal homelands decisions but not everything coming out of Washington looks bad for Indian Country.

Posted: September 11, 2018

Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe solidifying plans for long-awaited casino

With the Chickasaw Nation as a partner, the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe is looking at a $12 million investment in its first casino.

Posted: September 10, 2018

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe faces opposition to homelands legislation

Politicians from Rhode Island are lining up against the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

Posted: September 5, 2018

Ponca Tribe begins hiring employees for long-awaited casino

The Ponca Tribe will be hiring about 100 employees to work at the Prairie Flower Casino in Iowa.

Posted: September 5, 2018

Ponca Tribe honors 'sacrifices our people made' with gaming project

The Prairie Flower Casino is named in honor of a daughter of Ponca Chief Standing Bear.

Posted: August 27, 2018

Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe lands big partner for gaming project

Though plans remain in development, the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe is serious about Indian gaming.

Posted: August 22, 2018

Bay Mills Indian Community awaits decision on disputed casino

More than four years after securing victory at the nation's highest court, the Bay Mills Indian Community is waiting for a crucial decision.

Posted: August 22, 2018

'It's monumental for me': Mechoopda Tribe wins local support for casino

After nearly two decades of battles, the Mechoopda Tribe has finally won local support for its long-delayed casino in California.

Posted: August 15, 2018

Santa Ysabel Band loses decision in online bingo betting dispute

The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel has hit a dead end with its short-lived online gaming business.

Posted: August 13, 2018

Mechoopda Tribe makes progress on long-delayed gaming project

The Mechoopda Tribe has signed a Class III gaming compact with the state of California and could gain some unexpected support for the agreement.

Posted: August 13, 2018

Federal gaming agency takes action on once controversial regulations

More than a decade after the courts took action, the National Indian Gaming Commission is suspending regulations that were once the subject of considerable controversy.

Posted: August 10, 2018