Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation sues Kansas over lottery sales on reservation
Federal lawsuit alleges state lottery operations violate tribal sovereignty and federal gaming law
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation filed a federal lawsuit July 3 against the State of Kansas, alleging the Kansas Lottery violated the Nation's sovereignty by selling lottery tickets and operating lottery machines within its reservation boundaries, according to a press release from the Nation. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Kansas, asks the court to halt the lottery operations and alleges they violate the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, the Nation's Gaming Ordinance and the Nation's sovereign rights.
The Nation sent multiple written notices to Kansas Lottery Executive Director Stephen Durrell in May and June, and held discussions with state officials before filing suit, but the issue was not resolved, according to its press release.The lawsuit also seeks a declaration that the reservation established under the 1846 treaty has never been diminished or disestablished under federal law and continues to constitute Indian land, according to the Nation.
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