SC judge rejects Catawbas’ bid for casino

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — A Circuit Court judge has rejected the Catawba Indian Nation’s request to build a casino in York County.

Circuit Judge Ernest Kinard ruled against the Catawbas in their lawsuit against the state and top law enforcement officials about the tribe’s gaming rights.

The tribe had contended their 1993 settlement with the state and U.S. governments allows the reservation to have gambling. They said a decision by the state Supreme Court determined the tribe can have the same types of games that are permitted elsewhere in South Carolina.

Rock Hill Sen. Wes Hayes says he expects the ruling to be appealed to the high court.

An attorney for the tribe did not immediately respond to a telephone message Thursday.

The decision was first reported (http://bit.ly/I8koJU) by The Herald of Rock Hill

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Information from: The Herald, http://www.heraldonline.com