September 05, 2008 –
MAYETTA: The Shawnee County District Court issued an injunction today against Harrah’s Entertainment, Inc. and its affiliates. The Court found that “there is a substantial likelihood the Nation will prevail on the merits of this case.” The Court found that the Nation should not be required to post a bond.
Steve Ortiz, Tribal Council Chairperson said, “The Nation is pleased with today’s ruling and intends to fully comply with the Court’s order. Because this is pending litigation, there will be no other comments at this time.”
The Nation filed a lawsuit on August 18 to enforce its rights under a non-compete agreement with Harrah’s that said that for a reasonable time period after it stopped operating the Nation’s gaming operations that Harrah’s would not develop, promote, or encourage the expansion of any casino business in the State of Kansas. The petition further alleged that Harrah’s active involvement in a proposed casino in Sumner County, Kansas violated the non-compete agreement.
Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP, Kansas City are providng outside legal counsel to the Nation on this case.