COLUMBIA, S.C. - South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster will be allowed to participate in a federal lawsuit by the Catawba Indian Nation challenging the state's ban on video gambling.

U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie this week granted McMaster's request to become a party to the lawsuit, which contends federal law prevents the state from changing a 1993 agreement allowing the tribe gambling privileges.

McMaster is representing the state in the lawsuit and opposes the tribe's efforts to expand its gambling operations.

The Catawbas say if they win, they will open the state's first video gambling parlor since electronic poker was outlawed in 2000.

The tribe sued last month when it appeared they would be unable to get permission from the General Assembly to open a high-stakes, Internet bingo hall with 700 to 1,000 machines at Santee along I-95 in Orangeburg County. State lawmakers took no action on the proposal before adjourning for the year June 3.

State officials say changes in gaming laws that banned video gambling apply to everyone, including the tribe.

---

Information from: The State, http://www.thestate.com/