Although the Estom Yumeka Maidu Tribe of the Enterprise Rancheria in Northern California has already gotten a ruling that favors its plans to build the Fire Mountain Casino near Oroville—it is waiting for U.S. District Judge Troy Nunley to issue a final ruling after opponents filed a motion asking for a reconsideration of the ruling.
If Nunley confirms his earlier ruling it will allow the tribe to build an “off reservation” casino despite 60 percent of the state’s voters who voted against the casino two years ago, as well as the state government’s refusal to negotiate a new compact after that happened.
“We’re just eagerly awaiting that decision and hoping it comes out in our favor,” said tribal spokesman Charles Altekruse said.
Two months ago the Department of the Interior issues procedures allowing the tribe to offer Class III gaming on its land, which was part of the “two-part” determination process for tribes that seek to put land into trust that is located at some distance from their original homeland.
