Slots Still Running With Automatic Stay

Tue., Dec. 15, 1998

From Staff Reports

Gamblers can continue to play about 1,800 slot machines operated by the Colville and Spokane tribes this week despite a recent U.S. District Court ruling saying they are illegal.

The U.S. Attorney’s Office in Spokane had originally hoped the machines would be turned off Monday, after U.S. District Court Judge Fred Van Sickle issued his ruling on Dec. 3.

However, there is an automatic 10-day stay before the judge’s order may be enforced, said Assistant U.S. Attorney Jim Shively.

Sometime this week, the tribes will request a more lengthy stay of Van Sickle’s ruling - one that would last until the issue can be appealed to the 9th Circuit Court, said Tim Brewer, attorney for the Colville Tribes.

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