Texas Accuses Shuttered Tigua Casino Of Illegal Gambling

EL PASO, Texas (AP) – Attorney General Greg Abbott is accusing the Tigua Indian tribe of running illegal gambling with slot machines in a casino shut down six years ago.

Abbott Friday announced he’s filed a motion in federal court in El Paso — seeking a contempt of court order.

The state alleges the tribe is violating a 2001 court order by offering to pay cash with “eight-liner” gaming machines at the Speaking Rock Entertainment Center.

The court order validated a lawsuit by former Texas Attorney General John Cornyn that led to the casino’s shutdown in 2002. Cornyn is now a U.S. senator.

Slots like eight-liners are legal in Texas only when they offer tickets redeemable for prizes with limited value.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)