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FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2003

A federal appeals court on Thursday cleared the Santee Sioux Tribe of future fines and contempt charges.

In a unanimous decision, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the tribe's casino can offer "Lucky Tab 2" machines. A three-judge panel said the games are Class II, not Class III, as the government alleged.

The ruling clears the tribe of additional fines for offering games that were deemed illegal by the courts. The tribe removed the games but still has to pay the fines, $4 million total.

The ruling also lifts the contempt citation the 8th Circuit placed on the tribal council for not following court orders.

Get the Story:
Santee can keep gambling devices (AP 3/21)

Get the Decision:
U.S. v. Santee Sioux Tribe (March 20, 2003)

Relevant Links:
The Santee Sioux Tribe - http://www.santeedakota.org
National Indian Gaming Commission - http://www.nigc.gov

Related Stories:
Appeals court upholds Santee casino games (3/20)
Santee Tribe takes gamble with new game (10/11)
Neb. gaming petition dealt last blow (09/26)
Casino company loses Indian gaming suit (09/11)
Santee Sioux leaders found in contempt of court (6/22)