FT. SILL APACHE TRIBE ATTEMPT AT CASINO COMPACT TURNED DOWN BY NM SUPREME COURT
On March 30, the New Mexico Supreme Court turned down a petition to force Governor Martinez to sign a gambling compact with the Ft. Sill Apache Tribe.
The Ft. Sill Apache tribe, which owns a casino in Oklahoma, has been petitioning federal and state courts, as well as the Indian Gaming Regulatory Commission, in an attempt to get permission to open a casino at Akela Flats, about twenty miles east of Deming, New Mexico, close to Interstate Highway 10. The tribe had some history in that area in the 1800’s, but has not had a governmental or population presence there since that time.
The IGRC refused to give permission for them to open a casino there, and they are appealing that decision in court. The NM Supreme Court ruled a few months ago that the tribe is a recognized tribe in New Mexico, but this recent ruling by the state court is a pretty big set-back for the gambling aspirations of the tribe.
An article in the Santa Fe New Mexican on the story can be read by clicking here.
Some local organizations around Deming have been in favor of the casino proposal, feeling that jobs will come their way. Although there would likely be a few jobs that would accrue to the town, they would most likely see a big increase in bankruptcies, criminal activity, divorce, addictions and suicide as a result of local casino gambling.
Without question, the tribe will appeal this decision to federal courts, so the battle goes on, but Stop Predatory Gambling New Mexico appreciates the ruling of our State Supreme Court.
Picture is of Dr. Guy Clark
