Northern Arapaho Tribe near casino license deal

Monday, Nov. 15, 2004 | 9:25 a.m.

RIVERTON, Wyo. -- A Northern Arapaho Tribe representative told a legislative committee that they believe an agreement is near with the Interior Department on issuing a high-stakes gambling license for a new tribal casino now under construction.

David T. Staddon, general manager of 789 Bingo and Casino, last week also showed members of the Select Committee on Tribal Relations the artist's rendering of the new casino, along with floor plans.

Mark Howell, consultant to the Northern Arapaho Tribe, which is building the new casino, said he believes agreement is near with the Secretary of the Interior on the issuance of the federal permission for gambling at the site.

Arapaho tribal leaders, including Business Council Chairman Burton Hutchison, said the Arapahos are using their own resources to construct the casino, which they hope will be issued a Class III gambling permit from Interior. Class III gambling includes casino-type games.

Currently, the tribe provides Class II gambling, including bingo, pull tabs, punch cards and similar games.

Howell said draft documents are being exchanged between the tribe and Interior with what he hoped would be the definitive meeting planned for Nov. 23.