Choctaw Casino in Jackson County unlikely
The federal agency recently shifted course on the off-reservation issue. It said in a news release that it would consider allowing such casinos.
A previous memo denying such casinos “was unnecessary and was issued without the benefit of tribal consultation,” said Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs Larry Echo Hawk. “We will proceed to process off-reservation gaming applications in a transparent manner, consistent with existing law.”
In the same news release, however, the federal agency said that off-reservation casinos could be approved only with “the concurrence of the governor,” a compact with the state and the support of area people.
“Public comment is sought and considered during this process, and local communities have several meaningful opportunities to provide input on a tribe’s application,” the news release said.
A lack of state and local support helped derail the Choctaw casino concept for Jackson County several years ago and could still be a stumbling block.
Gulf LIve
6/27/11
