Louisianas self-proclaimed anti-gambling governor once
again has proven how disingenuous titles can be.
Recent news reports indicate Gov. Mike Foster has signed a
compact with the Jena Band of Choctaws to allow the tribe to open a casino in
the state.
Louisianas self-proclaimed anti-gambling governor once
again has proven how disingenuous titles can be.
Recent news reports indicate Gov. Mike Foster has signed a
compact with the Jena Band of Choctaws to allow the tribe to open a casino in
the state.
Additional news reports indicate the states fifth casino
apparently will be located in Vinton, in the southwest corner of Louisiana.
The compact signed by Foster and the tribe still must be approved
by the federal government, but that is not expected to be a problem. Once approved,
the stage will be set for the fourth Indian-run casino in the state.
Other tribes already operate casinos in Marksville, Kinder
and Charenton. Harrahs operates a casino in New Orleans.
Throughout his campaigns for govenor, Foster has proclaimed
himself as opposed to gambling. However, he repeatedly has acted in ways that
have allowed the continuation and the expansion of gambling in the state. Several
years ago, he also opposed a movement to allow a statewide vote that could have
ended video poker in Louisiana.
In news reports announcing the deal with the Jena tribe, Foster
declined comment – and a spokesperson of the governor denied the press
access to the compact signed with the tribe, noting it is not a public document.
The governors action is a victory for the Jena tribe,
which had failed in earlier attempts to locate a casino in Mississippi. Reports
indicate the tribe only has about 241 official members.