Paper Bingo Gambling Begins At Tribal Casino In New Mexico

This was not what the Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma had envisioned when it came to gambling at their casino in southern New Mexico. On Thursday, the tribe began running paper bingo games at the casino.

Originally, the idea was to open a casino that included electronic gaming, but Governor Bill Richardson made sure that did not happen. Richardson threatened to blockade the casino if the tribe started offering the electronic gaming.

The tribe had the land put in trust a few years after they purchased it back in 1998. Any land taken into trust after October of 1988, however, could not be used for gaming purposes, according to Federal law. That has led to the tribe starting the paper bingo games.

"They are obviously well educated about their operation, gambling and Indian gaming," said state police4 spokesman Peter Olson, "Their intent is to continue with Class II paper bingo."

The tribe believes they are within their legal rights to offer the Class II gaming. They also are hoping that through their legal battle they will eventually be allowed to offer Class III gaming at the casino.

If the police in New Mexico attempt to block the paper bingo games from being played, the tribe is prepared to take legal action. So far, officers have been to the casino and are creating a report that will be turned over to the New Mexico Gaming Control Board.

April 10, 2009
Posted By Terry Goodwin
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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