Attorney general weighs in on Indian gaming

Attorney General Henry McMaster is optimistic the state could prevent the Catawba Indian Nation from opening a video gambling operation on its reservation, but he concedes the case is complex.

(PRWEB) April 23, 2004 -- Attorney general weighs in on Indian gaming

Attorney General Henry McMaster is optimistic the state could prevent the Catawba Indian Nation from opening a video gambling operation on its reservation, but he concedes the case is complex.

The Catawbas have said if they can't build a proposed high-stakes bingo hall in Santee, they are interested in seeking video gambling on their Rock Hill reservation.

The tribe, which currently operates a bingo hall in Rock Hill, has said it needs to make up revenue lost since the state began its lottery and relaxed rules for other bingo halls, undercutting the competitive advantage guaranteed to the tribe a decade ago.

Under that 1993 settlement agreement, the Catawbas contend they have a right to a video gambling operation on the reservation, even though the state banned the machines in 2000.

McMaster said he would argue that once the 2000 ban went into place, "video poker did not continue to be legal on the reservation."

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