Oklahoma Tribe Eyes Possible Casino Near Deming

DEMING, N.M. (AP) – An Oklahoma tribe that plans a casino on tribal trust land near Deming wouldn’t require federal or state approval for the games if it offers only Class 2 gambling.

That’s the word from a spokesman for the New Mexico Gaming Control Board, Greg Saunders. He says the Fort Sill Apache Tribe can begin operating when it wants as long as it offers high-stakes bingo.

He says they cannot offer Class 3 games such as not slot machines, poker games with house-backed purses or other house-backed games.

Construction workers were at the site last week connecting portable buildings that will serve as the casino along Interstate 10 between Deming and Las Cruces.

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act allows off-reservation gambling on trust land controlled by a tribe.

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