DOI approves controversial Wis. casino pact

MONDAY, APRIL 7, 2003

Update: The Bureau of Indian Affairs has issued a statement clarifying the status of the Potawatomi compact. Secretary Gale Norton neither approved nor denied the compact. Per federal law, it is therefore considered "deemed approved."

The Department of Interior has given approval to an open-ended gaming compact between the state of Wisconsin and the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe, The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reports.

The paper said approval came with two changes. One eliminates a "zone of exclusivity" previously afforded to the tribe. The other affects the wording of the Class III games that are allowed.

The compact is opposed by Republicans in the state because it expands the tribe's casino and does not have an expiration date, although its terms can be renegotiated after 25 years. Opponents filed a lawsuit in state court to void the deal and prevent new ones.

Under federal law, the Interior, usually through the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Indian Gaming Management, has to rule on a compact within 45 days of receipt.

Get the Story:
U.S. gives gambling pact the go-ahead (The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel 4/7)
Details of the agreement Gov. Jim Doyle signed with the Forest County Potawatomi (AP 4/7)
WI Potawatomi Compact (AP 4/7)

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