Choctaw Casino Faces Hurdles for Approval

OCEAN SPRINGS, Mississippi As reported by the Mississippi Press: "The Choctaws' plan to build a casino in Jackson County isn't quite as simple as a roll of the dice, despite public perception that the tribe can do pretty much whatever it wants.

"In fact, winning federal, state and local support for a casino resort may be the tribe's biggest gamble yet.

"...The Choctaws also have to convince the governor to allow a casino Haley Barbour has balked at their proposal and have requested the support of Jackson County voters, who have overwhelmingly rejected gaming in the past.

"But before jumping those hurdles, the Choctaws must place their 100 acres of land, located along Miss. 57 near Interstate 10, into a trust for the purposes of gaming, as required by The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.

"...In order for all 100 acres to be considered for gaming, the tribe must follow five steps set out in the act and one self-imposed requirement..."
2006-05-29