Supreme Court Rules Against Video Poker

Tuesday, 20 March 2007

The Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina has lost a legal battle for their gambling rights. Yesterday, the Supreme court ruled that the tribe cannot operate video poker on the reservation near Rock Hill.

The Catawba Indian Tribe of South Carolina has lost a legal battle for their gambling rights. Yesterday, the Supreme court ruled that the tribe cannot operate video poker on the reservation near Rock Hill.
Dwight Drake, representing the Catawbas, said “The (US) Supreme Court generally is more generous about considering Indian gaming matters.” However, the ruling was universal.
State Senator Wes Hayes, R-York, who opposed the Catawbas’ video poker plans, said that had the court ruled in favour of the tribe, the “potential harm to the state was enormous.”
The Catawba became interested in video poker when plans for a high bingo outfit were first thwarted. They are keen to diversify since the state-run lottery started in 2002. The lottery has dramatically reduced the revenues from their Rock Hill bingo hall.
Chief Gilbert Blue, who did win a 150 year-old land claim settlement, has stepped down after 34 years. 'I just decided that enough was enough,' he said.
Senator Brad Hutto, D-Orangeburg, said the tribe won’t give up on casino proposals which would bring hundreds of jobs to an economically depressed region.



Tags: Poker News, Supreme, Court, Rules, Against, Video, Poker