When the state of Wyoming failed to negotiate in good faith for a compact with the Northern Arapaho tribe, federal officials took over. Yesterday, under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, approval was given for a federal mediator’s 2003 decision to allow Class III games at Wind River Casino. That decision did not cover all aspects of Class III gaming but the 10th US Circuit Court of Appeals has since ruled that it should, so an amendment to yesterday’s ruling will be sort by the tribe.

Wind River Casino started life as 789 Bingo south of Riverton in Wyoming. It runs Class II games at present, bingo and electronic bingo, and now intends to introduce some Class III games immediately. Construction of a 44,000 sq ft casino with full Las Vegas-style gambling looks set to go ahead after repeated delays. The estimated cost of the expansion is US$10.3 million and anticipated revenue from upgraded gambling is around US$20 million annually. The present bingo operation nets only US$2 million in comparison.

The gaming revenue will be used by the Northern Arapaho to fund education and health care, but it should also have a positive impact on the economy of central Wyoming. Described as an economic engine for jobs, growth and services for the tribe, benefits should also be felt in terms of job creation and local service suppliers in the region. Yesterday’s ruling should come as a wake-up call to other states in the process of negotiating tribal gaming compacts: negotiate in good faith or risk losing the right to set conditions. (E-09.22.05)

© Copyright 2005 CasinoCompendium



>>> return to archives
>>> return to frontpage