Judge allows electronic poker at Ho-Chunk casino

MADISON (AP) - A federal judge says the Ho-Chunk tribe can continue to offer electronic poker at its Madison casino.

U.S. District Judge Barbara Crabb ruled an arbitrator exceeded his power and did not have authority to ban the game. The dispute with the state is over how electronic poker is classified. The Ho-Chunk say it's Class II gaming, which the tribe can offer without a compact. The state says it's Class III gaming, which does require a compact.

Department of Justice spokeswoman Dana Brueck tells the State Journal a decision has not been made on whether to take the case to the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals.