Choctaws Make Casino Move

Robert Norvel, the Jackson County Supervisor in Mississippi, received a two-page letter from the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.  The letter was written by Tribal Chief Phillip Martin.  It expressed the interest of the Choctaw Indians to redevelop its First American Printing property near Iinterstate 10.  Martin scribed in the letter, “We have decided to continue examining the possibility of gaming on tribal lands.”

Regardless of the intentions of the Choctaw, they will not be exploring any of their gaming options without the supportive vote of Jackson County citizens.  In an effort to set things in motion, the tribe hired an independent company to conduct a feasibility study on their 100 acres of land near Mississippi Highway 57 and Interstate 10.

Martin’s letter revealed, “At some point in the future, a public notice will be published in the county, indicating that such a study is underway and that our ultimate intent is to use the land for a gaming result.”

Supervisor Norvel was asked about the Choctaw's chances of establishing a casino near Interstate 10.  He responded, “I don’t know.  That’s a decision strictly between Chief Martin and the taxpayers of Jackson County.”

Casino rumors buzzed around the Choctaws four years ago when Chief Martin found himself in Biloxi. At that time, in 2002, Chief Martin directly denied any immediate plans of the tribe for a Mississippi casino.  However, Chief Martin did plant this seed, “If we decide that it’s in the best interests of everybody to bring another casino in here, who knows, we might do that.” 

Martin’s letter informed Jackson County Supervisors, “We believe a successful referendum on the gaming question must occur in the county before we could demonstrate local support and gain approvals from the Governor and the Secretary of Interior.”

The U.S. Department of the Interior must give its approval before the tribe would be allowed to construct a casino on the property.

Chief Martin’s letter indicates that he is fully aware of the obstacles between his tribe and a new casino.  “If we are legally able to proceed with a gaming development some time in the future, we will still have to overcome significant challenges,” cedes Martin in his letter.  “The point is, there are numerous hurdles to clear and there will be ample opportunities for everyone with an interest to participate in the decision making process.”

Displaying reasonable patience, Chief Martin’s letter expressed hopes for a 2008 gaming referendum; just enough time to get the Jackson County voters on the tribe’s side.

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