Casino News: Native American tribes should protect their interests in online gambling

Indian tribes in Washington DC want a major role in the legislative and regulatory processes concerning online gaming. This Thursday, the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs heard both sides of an argument from opponents and proponents of regulated online gambling. Representatives of two Indian tribes put their arguments forward, both having different outlooks on the issue.

Chairman of the Mohegans, Bruce Bozsum, claimed that online gambling is of ‘critical importance’ to his tribe, and that any laws should give tribes the opportunity to compete in an open and fair market, and also protect tribal rights. In an interview, he said "Indian tribes can compete and be as successful as anyone else,"
 

He continued, saying the introduction of legislation shouldn’t give a headstart to gaming in other states, including New Jersey and Nevada. Non-regulated sites should be shut down, and any new legislation should allow wagers to be made on non-tribal lands.

On the converse, vice chairman of the Tulalip Tribes, Glen Gobin, called online gambling a "direct threat" to the Indian gaming industry, and that his people were opposed to online gaming. It is estimated that Indian gaming will generate over $260 billion in a 10 year period, which is a vast difference from the $41 billion anticipated for online gaming.

Ernie Stevens, chairman of the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) stated that tribal governments should not compromise their sovereignty, and the introduction of online gambling was of a ‘significant concern.’

Tribes are unified on the following issues:

1. Legislation should recognize tribes can operate and regulate gaming

2. Legislation should allow customers to access sites beyond tribal borders

3. Tribal revenue should not be taxed by federal or state governments.

4. Legislation should honor tribal gaming compacts

5. Congress should not amend the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act