LJWorld.com / State, Sac and Fox tribe settle dispute over inspection of slot machines

Archive for Friday, April 8, 2005

Agreement could lead to building of new, larger casino

By John Hanna - Associated Press Writer

April 8, 2005

Topeka — The state and Sac and Fox tribe have settled a dispute over inspecting tribal slot machines, which could clear the way for a legislative vote on the tribe's proposal to build a new, larger casino.

The State Gaming Agency hadn't fully inspected machines at the Sac and Fox casino in Brown County since fall 2003, when the dispute arose over interpreting a 1995 compact between the state and tribe, permitting the tribal operation.

The tribe announced the agreement Thursday, a day after state and tribal officials signed it. Under the agreement, the state can inspect machines, as long as a technician and tribal gambling official are present.

Because of the dispute, some legislators had hesitated to endorse a proposed compact negotiated with Gov. Kathleen Sebelius' office to allow the Sac and Fox and Kickapoo tribes to build a $210 million casino-and-hotel complex near Kansas Speedway in Wyandotte County. The compact would guarantee the state $50 million or more a year in casino revenues.

House Speaker Doug Mays said an agreement over the Brown County casino was "absolutely necessary" for consideration of the Wyandotte County compact.

"It sounds like a good agreement, and I hope it sticks," said Mays, R-Topeka. "With this issue outstanding, a compact wouldn't have stood a chance of passing the Legislature."

Matt All, Sebelius' chief counsel, said the governor didn't plan to push for the latest compact's approval before reaching an agreement on the Brown County casino.

"We're happy we can finally put this behind us and are satisfied with the results," All said.

Paul Alexander, the Sac and Fox general counsel, was not available for comment in his Washington office.

The tribe had proposed allowing state inspections -- but only for tests to which the tribe agreed -- while the state wanted to perform any tests it wanted as long as it gave advance notice.

The agreement calls for inspections to follow a 46-item checklist developed by the state, but the inspection process will be reviewed next year.