Quapaw tribe sues Kansas over casino dispute

WICHITA, Kan. (AP) – An Oklahoma Indian tribe has filed a federal lawsuit against Kansas in the dispute over casino gambling.

The Quapaw tribe alleges the state has failed to negotiate in good faith over proposed gambling on tribal land in Cherokee County. The lawsuit contends early discussions were cooperative, but those talks stalled when the state wanted to develop a state-owned casino in the area.

The tribe’s chairman, John Berrey, said in an emailed statement it has to stand up for the rights of Indian tribes.

Neither the governor’s office, nor the attorney general’s office immediately responded to a request for comment.

A federal judge last month dismissed a separate lawsuit filed by Kansas seeking to prevent the tribe’s Oklahoma casino from expanding into Kansas. The state has appealed that decision.