Ponca Tribe of Nebraska wins right to run casino

The Ponca Tribe of Nebraska has won another legal battle to keep its new casino in western Iowa open, despite efforts of the states of Nebraska and Iowa.

The National Indian Gaming Commission ruled Wednesday in the tribe’s favor for the second time, saying it has the right to operate the Prairie Flower Casino on the land it acquired in Carter Lake, Iowa.

While the casino technically lies in Iowa, it lies west of the Missouri River, essential in the heart of Omaha.

The neighboring city of Council Bluffs, Iowa–which already hosts three state-licensed casinos–and the states of Iowa nd Nebraska sued to shut the Prairie Flower down.

The lawsuit says the tribe misrepresented its intention by first announcing plans for a health care center on the Carter Lake lot.