Video Poker OK'd on Catawba Land

ROCK HILL, South Carolina -- As reported by the Charlotte Observer: "The Catawba Indians have long wanted to bring high stakes gambling to South Carolina, and a judge's ruling Tuesday put them one step closer.

"Judge Joseph Strickland ruled the tribe has the right to operate video poker on its reservation about 10 miles south of Charlotte.

"Tribal leaders say what they really want is a massive electronic bingo casino near the intersection of interstates 95 and 26, southeast of Columbia at Santee, S.C.

"The ruling gives the tribe better odds at negotiating for the high-stakes bingo in a state that outlawed video poker in 2000.

"...Supporters say the proposed Santee facility could create 1,000 jobs and become a stop for tourists along two busy interstates..."