Federal and state cases combined against California tribal operator

The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel in California continues to fight both the state and federal governments over its Desert Rose online bingo and poker initiative (see previous reports) which government is trying to derail as illegal in a complicated case involving regulatory approval and Indian Gaming Regulatory Act elements.

Last month a US Southern District of California judge combined the federal and state cases against the tribe, which will now he heard in February next year before US District Judge Anthony J. Battaglia after further motions and pre-trial arguments deadlined late 2015, giving both governments and the tribe ample time to prepare their respective cases.

The issue clearly has wider implications for tribal online gambling in California and perhaps the US generally, and is being monitored closely by the industry.

Meanwhile, a previously granted injunction against the tribe remains in force and the online operation is on hold.