Tiguas dispute court's ruling to shut down slots and sweepstakes

August 10, 2008

EL PASO - Tigua governor Frank Paiz said the Speaking Rock center is not breaking Texas gambling laws despite a state district judge's ruling last week.

State District Judge Harry Hudspeth ruled that the tribe is violating a 2001 order to cease gambling operations by offering gift cards as prizes and ordered a fine of $500 per day until it stopped.

However, Paiz said Friday they stopped using the gift cards last year. "As of July 2008, the tribe has not operated these types of machines nor issued credit cards as prizes."

Paiz read from a statement in response to the ruling. "The counsel, through our legal team, has submitted a report to Judge Hudspeth and the attorney general on the steps we have taken to demonstrate to the court the operation of Speaking Rock center is in full compliance with us, with this order. The tribal council believes the sweepstakes operation taking place on tribal land is legal under state laws and previous court rulings."

Paiz said documentation of proof is being drafted and will be submitted to Judge Hudspeth.

Return to Texas Casinos.