Oneidas Appeal Ruling Against 1993 Casino Pact

ALBANY, New York -- As reported by the Associated Press: "The Oneida Indian Nation has appealed a judge's ruling that the state agreement allowed the billion-dollar Turning Stone Casino to be built a decade ago is invalid.

"The appeal seeks to overturn the July 28th decision of acting state Supreme Court Justice James McCarthy. He ruled that then-Gov. Mario Cuomo "exceeded his authority" by entering into the 1993 compact with the Oneida nation without legislative approval.

"The suit was filed by Upstate Citizens for Equality, which wants the Oneidas to pay taxes.

"What effect, if any, the court decision has on the sprawling casino resort in central New York that attracts 4.2 million visitors a year is uncertain..."