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Indiana, Pokagon Band negotiating gaming compact

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians says it has finalized a gaming compact with the state of Indiana.

If approved, the compact would authorize Class III gaming activities at the Four Winds Casino in South Bend, including table games with dealers, traditional slot machines and sports wagering.

The Pokagon Band calls the compact a first in Indiana’s history. The agreement must still be ratified by the Indiana General Assembly and the U.S. Department of the Interior. 

“This compact was executed in accordance with state law and federal law and obligations and recognizes the sovereign rights of both the State of Indiana and the Pokagon Band,” the Pokagons said in a news release. “It demonstrates the value of our ongoing government-to-government relationship and the commitment of each party to fulfill their responsibilities to their citizens while working cooperatively to comply with all applicable laws.”

Four Winds Casino opened in 2018 with 1,400 electronic gaming machines. Currently, the casino offers Class II gaming activities, including slot machine-style bingo games and non-banked card games.

The Pokagon Band says the compact has been delivered to the Indiana Senate and House for consideration.