Operators sue New Mexico
Native tribal groups that operate gaming venues in New Mexico have set a legal battle against the government.
US.- Gaming activities in New Mexico are threatened by a legal battle between native groups and the state’s Gaming Control Board. As the governmental organisation is demanding millionaire payments for gaming operation interests, the licensed tribal administrations have attempted to block the petition with a formal lawsuit.
The New Mexico Gaming Control Board seeks to charge operators for a “free play” strategy supposedly aimed at attracting new players. According to the gaming authority, tribal groups must pay US$40 million in revenue for offering free games. As Albuquerque Journal revealed, the Tesuque Pueblo would have to pay US$3.2 million, Sandia Pueblo would pay US$26.5 million, whilst Isleta Pueblo would pay US$10.3 million.
The newspaper also revealed that native tribes responded by suing the New Mexico Gaming Control Board in the United States Federal Court. The legal battle would delay the payments whilst the Justice system evaluates the state’s situation.
