Senator Wicker Opposes Jones County Casino Plans

July 1, 2010

WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today announced his opposition to the Jones County Casino Plans proposed by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.  Earlier this week, Wicker met with Miko Beasley Denson, Chief of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, to review the plans for building a new gaming facility on Choctaw reservation land in Jones County.

“I appreciate Miko taking the time to sit down with me and explain the Choctaws’ intentions in Jones County,” said Wicker.  “I made clear my strong opposition to the proposal for this type of gambling facility in Jones County.  I believe the decision to move forward on this project ignores public opinion and jeopardizes the relationships that the Choctaws have built with local, state, and congressional officials.  I urge the Choctaw Tribal Council not to proceed with this ill-advised plan, and I hope they will reconsider the decision.”

The Choctaw Tribal Council recently voted 8-7 to move forward with plans to create a slot machine facility on the Bogue Homa Choctaw reservation land.  The facility in Jones County could open by the end of the year.

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