Failure of Narragansett casino could be felt in polls

Even though the Narragansett Tribe's casino referendum didn't get on the ballot, some political observers say voters may register their views at the polls this November.

Brown University Prof. Darrell West says voters on all sides of the issue will register their frustration. But Marc Genest, a political science professor at the University of Rhode Island, doesn't think it will have an impact at all.

Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) isn't up for reelection this year but could face a backlash for opposing the casino, says Maureen Moakley, URI political science department chairwoman. But he may also find some supporters, she says.

As for the tribe, officials are planning to lobby Congress to eliminate a rider that limits its sovereignty. The rider excludes the tribe from the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Get the Story:
Pundits weigh casino fallout (The Providence Journal 8/17)
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TRIBE LOOKS TO U.S. LEGISLATORS TO CHANGE CASINO LAW (AP 8/16)

Narragansett casino bid taken off November ballot

A Rhode Island judge on Friday ruled that a vote on the Narragansett Tribe's proposed casino was unconstitutional.

In response, the tribe and its partner Harrah's Entertainment said they would drop their casino push for the year. The tribe said it would consider other options, including amending the constitution, giving the state more of a role in the casino or repealing a federal law that limits the ribe's gaming rights.

The judge said the casino would have been illegal because the state constitution outlaws "privately" run lotteries. The courts have ruled that a casino is a lottery.

Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) led the fight against the casino. He said the tribe's operation would have taken money away from two existing gaming facilities that are taxed by the state.

Get the Story:
Casino vote is off Nov. ballot (The Providence Journal 8/14)
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No casino on the ballot (Journal Register News Service 8/14)
Casino ballot question barred; Harrah’s won’t contest (AP 8/14)
CASINO BILL FIGHT OVER FOR THIS YEAR (The Westerly Sun 8/14)

Diverse coalition opposes slot machine initiative

A broad coalition of tribes, church leaders, environmentalists and politicians officially launched their campaign against a ballot initiative that would allow non-Indian card clubs to operate slot machines.

Some members of the No on I-892 oppose all forms of gambling, including tribal. Despite their disagreements, they all agree that passage of I-892 is a bad thing. The campaign has raised more than $3 million, with tribes contributing much of the money.

Tim Eyman, sponsor of I-892, argues that allowing slot machines and taxing them will raise revenue for the state, leading to lower property taxes.

Get the Story:
Coalition warns of I-892's dire jolt (The Seattle Times 8/13)
Initiative opponents a diverse lot (AP 8/13)

Group opposing Menominee Nation's casino bid

A group called Casino Free Kenosha has formed to oppose the Menominee Nation's plans for an off-reservation casino in Kenosha, Wisconsin.

The tribe is seeking local approval for a large, off-reservation facility. The tribe plans to covert an old racetrack into a casino.

Casino Free Kenosha plans to set up a website at CasinoFreeKenosha.com and put up billboards against the project.

Get the Story:
Opponents of casino proposal launch new group (AP 8/12)

Gaming to go before Navajo Nation voters again

Navajo Nation voters will be asked to legalize gaming at five chapters in New Mexico and Arizona.

Currently, gaming is limited to a chapter near Albuquerque, New Mexico. A bill to expand gaming to the Shiprock, Hogback and Manuelito chapters in New Mexico and the Nahata Dziil and Leupp chapters in Arizona went into law after Navajo President Joe Shirley Jr. neither signed nor vetoed it last week.

Navajo voters have previously rejected gaming in two referendums.

Get the Story:
Navajo gambling a step closer (The Gallup Independent 8/7)
Shirley lets gaming become law (The Farmington Daily Times 8/7)

Navajo Nation gaming referendum up in air

Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. has not acted on a referendum that would allow gambling on the reservation.

The Navajo Nation Council passed the referendum by a 59-12 vote on July 23. If approved by voters, it would allow gaming in three areas in New Mexico and two areas in Arizona.

Currently, gaming is legal only in Tohaajilee, a community near Albuquerque, New Mexico, that is not connected to the main reservation. Officials there are putting together plans for a casino near I-40.

Navajo voters have twice rejected gaming in reservation-wide referendums. Shirley has not said whether he will sign or veto the latest measure.

In related news, the Navajo Council's Inter-government Relations Committee decided to create a "gambling czar" for the tribe. A special task force of lawmakers will oversee the establishment of the position.

Get the Story:
Gaming: Shirley signature or veto? (The Farmington Daily Times 8/4)
Navajos to create gambling czar (The Gallup Independent 8/3)

Rhode Island town endorses tribal casino bid

The West Warwick town council voted 4-1 to endorse the Narragansett Tribe's casino initiative after two hours of heated debate, The Providence Journal reports.

The town's approval was needed before the initiative was placed on the November ballot. Residents at a meeting last night argued over the impacts the casino might have on their community.

The ballot language reads: "Shall there be a casino in the Town of West Warwick operated by an affiliate of Harrah's Entertainment in association with the Narragansett Indian Tribe?"

Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) opposes the casino and says he will fight it in court.

Get the Story:
Council backs referendum on casino at heated session (The Providence Journal 8/4)
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Rhode Island girds for battle on casino initiative

The Narragansett Tribe's proposed casino is headed to the November ballot now that the House joined the Senate in overriding Gov. Donald Carcieri's veto.

The tribe's partner, Harrah's Entertainment, says it is prepared to spend at least $2 million to promote the initiative. Lincoln Park, one of the state's two existing gaming facilities, says it could spend up to $3 million against it.

Foes of the project also say they will mount legal challenges. Carcieri, a Republican, contends a privately-run casino, even if owned by the tribe, violates the state constitution.

According to a recent Brown University, 47 percent supported a tribal casino while 43 opposed it.

Get the Story:
Battle for R.I. casino now moves to the voters (The Providence Journal 8/1)
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House trumps casino veto (The Providence Journal 8/1)
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Casino on the ballot (Journal Register News Service 7/31)
CASINO BILL ON TRACK TO BALLOT (AP 7/31)

Final call for tribal casino gamble in Rhode Island

The Rhode Island House is expected to override Gov. Donald Carcieri's veto of a casino bill that would put the Narragansett Tribe's casino on the November ballot.

The Senate overrode the veto last week. Today is the only day for the House, which has called a special session, to act.

The tribe has partnered with Harrah's Entertainment to open a casino in West Warwick. They are promising the state $100 million over 10 years and a percentage of revenues to the state.

Due to its settlement act and an appropriations rider, the tribe needs state approval to open a casino. An earlier bid in the 1990s failed.

Get the Story:
Assembly takes up casino, budget toda (The Providence Journal 7/30)
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Lawmakers override veto of Narragansett casino bill

The Rhode Island Senate voted 21-13 on Friday to override the veto of a bill to put the Narragansett Tribe's casino proposal on the November ballot.

The House is expected to call a special session later this week to consider the issue. Like the Senate, the House is expected to override the veto.

Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) vetoed the bill last month, saying the casino is a bad idea. He has also raised a constitutional challenge to the idea of a privately-run casino. He has asked the state Supreme Court to issue an advisory opinion on the legality of the referendum.

Get the Story:
Casino vote still on track (The Providence Journal 7/24)
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THOMAS SENATE OVERRIDES CASINO VOTE VETO (The Westerly Sun 7/24)
THOMAS CALLS FOR HALT TO 'POLITICAL SHENANIGANS' (The Westerly Sun 7/23)
LAWMAKERS DEAL WITH OVERRIDE AFTERMATH (The Westerly Sun 7/23)
GOVERNOR, OPPONENTS FILE COURT PAPERS (The Westerly Sun 7/23)

Narragansett Tribe's casino amendment stalled

A proposal to amend the Rhode Island constitution to favor the Narragansett Tribe's proposed casino won't move forward in the House.

The Democrat-controlled Senate put the amendment on its agenda today. But House Speaker William J. Murphy, a Democrat, said he wouldn't do the same.

The amendment was seen as a way to avoid a court challenge over a separate bill that would put the casino on the November ballot. Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) opposes the casino and says he will fight the ballot measure.

Get the Story:
Casino amendment not on House agenda (The Providence Journal 7/23)
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Casino foes, allies joust (Journal Register News Service 7/23)

Santee Sioux Tribe's hope lies with Nebraska voters

The Santee Sioux Tribe's dream of offering Class III gaming at its casino rests with Nebraska voters this November.

A proposal on the ballot would legalize slot machines, table games and other Class III games at bars and other establishments. If approved, tribes would be allowed to offer the same games.

The tribe was informed by the Interior Department that only lotteries, keno and pari-mutuel horse racing are legal in the state.

Get the Story:
Santee look to casino vote after federal ruling (The Lincoln Journal Star 7/22)

New casino legislation pushed in Rhode Island

Rhode Island lawmakers are pushing through new legislation to authorize a casino for the Narragansett Tribe.

The legislation was drafted in response to Republican Gov. Donald Carcieri's threat to take the issue to the courts. Carcieri says the state constitution doesn't allow privately-owned casinos.

So lawmakers are proposing to change the constitution to allow the tribe to partner with Harrah's Entertainment for the casino. A hearing has been scheduled on Friday only house before lawmakers are being asked to vote on it.

Get the Story:
2 revamped casino bills up for vote (The Providence Journal 7/22)
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Casino hearing Friday (Journal Register News Service 7/22)

Gaming money turns tribes into political players

Tribes with casinos have made $4 million in political contributions so far this year, according to Gannett News Service.

In 2002, tribes with casinos gave nearly $6.8 million to politicians. This is up from $1,750 in 1990, according to Gannett.

"You know, the thing is, in politics, dollars open doors," Cow Creek chairwoman Sue Shaffer says.

Tribal donations are flowing to both political parties. As of this year, Democrats have received 64 percent of the $4 million, according to Gannett.

Get the Story:
Casino money opening doors for many tribes (The Arizona Republic 7/17)

Rhode Island attorney general opposes casino vote

Rhode Island attorney general Patrick C. Lynch says a proposed tribal casino referendum violates the state's constitution.

Lynch, a Democrat, is joining Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) in opposing the vote for the Naragansett Tribe's casino. Although Carcieri vetoed the casino bill, lawmakers are expected to override it.

Lynch and Carcieri cite court decisions which they interpret as barring a "private-run" lottery. They say the courts equate a lottery with a casino.

Get the Story:
Lynch sides with Carcieri in legal question (The Providence Journal 7/16)
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Wyandotte Nation sees support on out-of-state casino

The Republican vice-chairman of the House Resources Committee says the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma should be allowed to operate an out-of-state casino.

Rep. Don Young (R-Alaska), former chairman of the panel, blasted the state of Kansas for raiding the tribe's downtown Kansas City casino. He also said the Bureau of Indian Affairs for its handling the controversy.

The tribe opened a Class II facility on land held in trust in Kansas City. The National Indian Gaming Commission, however, said the land did not qualify for gaming.

Leaford Bearskin, chief of the Wyandotte Nation, said the tribe satisfies an exemption that allows gaming on the land. He said the land was the results of a Congressionally-approved settlement.

Get the Story:
Alaska lawmaker supports tribe's bid for KCK casino (AP 7/14)

$1.5 million raised in Washington slots battle

Indian and non-Indian interests have raised more than $1.5 million in a battle over the future of gaming in Washington, The Seattle Post-Intelligencer reports.

Initiative 892 would allow slot machines at non-Indian card clubs. Tribal leaders say the proposal would destroy the Indian gaming industry.

So far, tribes and others opposed to I-892 have raised $835,496 as of last week, with tribes donating the overwhelming majority of the money. The biggest contributor was the Kalispel Tribe, which donated $250,000 to the Campaign for Tribal Self-Reliance.

The I-892 campaign has raised $712,241, with nearly a quarter coming from a Canadian company whose local subsidiary owns four card clubs.

Get the Story:
Tribes battle Eyman initiative to legalize slot machines in state (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 7/14)

Washington tribes fight slot machine initiative

Washington tribes have donated nearly $600,000 to defeat an initiative that would allow slot machines at non-Indian card clubs.

The Campaign for Tribal Self Reliance made a $500,000 contribution to the anti-Initiative 892 effort. The donation alone is more than the $464,000 raised by I-892 supporters.

Ron Allen, chairman of the Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, told The Seattle Times that passage of I-892 "would be a huge setback for us."

I-892 is sponsored by Tim Eyman, a professional initiative sponsor who has accepted money from gaming interests outside the state.

Get the Story:
Tribes give big to fight initiative on gambling (The Seattle Times 7/13)

Texas tribe sees gaming as route to sufficiency

Gaming didn't come easy for the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas. In 1994, tribal members voted 2-1 against getting into the casino business.

But after seeing the benefits gaming brought to neighboring tribes, the Alabama-Coushattas voted in 2000 in support of a casino. So in November 2001, the tribe opened a Class III facility on the reservation, bringing in $1 million a month.

The good times ended in July 2002, a month after a federal judge ordered the casino to shut down. But tribal leaders have hope that gaming will return under a plan advanced by Gov. Rick Perry (R) to legalize slot machines and use the revenues for education.

"We’re trying for self-determination," chairman McClamroch Battise tells The Houston Chronicle.

Get the Story:
Tribe hopes for revival of gambling, prosperity (The Houston Chronicle 7/12)

Rhode Island governor vetoes casino vote bill

As expected, Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) vetoed a bill to put the Narragansett Tribe's casino before voters this November.

Carcieri sent a veto message criticizing the proposal the House and Senate passed. He claims a casino will hurt state revenues from existing gaming facilities and will not provide economic opportunity.

Lawmakers say they have enough votes to override the veto. Carcieri suggested he may challenge the referendum in court if that happens.

Get the Story:
Carcieri vetoes bill setting casino vote (The Providence Journal 7/2)
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DICEY DECISION (The Pawtucket Times 7/2)
Carcieri nixes bill to put casino on ballot (AP 7/2)

Incoming Soo Tribe chairman questions casino bill

The newly elected chairman of the Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Tribe of Michigan doesn't support a controversial casino/land claim proposal. $p Aaron Payment said plans for a $350 million casino in Romulus, a Detroit suburb, could hurt the tribe's existing Detroit casino. He wants tribal members to vote on the Romulus project. $P The casino bid is part of a controversial bill that is pending in the House. H.R.2793 would settle the tribe's land claim by allowing a casino in Romulus. Three Michigan tribes testified against the bill at a House Resources Committee hearing on June 24.

Get the Story:
Tribe may drop Romulus casino (The Detroit News 6/30)

Coalition fights Washington slot machine initiative

A broad coalition of tribes, Christian leaders and anti-gambling groups say they will work to defeat an initiative to expand slot machines in Washington. $p Currently, slots are limited to tribal casinos. Initiative 892, if passed, would allow the machines at non-Indian card clubs. $p I-892 is spearheaded by Tim Eyman, who has made a career out of sponsoring initiatives. He has accepted money from gaming interests outside the state to promote I-892.

Get the Story:
Eyman delivers names as I-892 critics unite (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 6/29)
Tribes oppose I-892 (The Olympian 6/29)

North Dakota tribes oppose off-reservation gaming

North Dakota tribal leaders met on Saturday to show their opposition to off-reservation gaming. $p The North Dakota Indian Gaming Association called the meeting after the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewas floated a plan for a casino in Grand Forks. The tribe has not formally said it will build the casino. $p But representatives of the state's four other tribes said they oppose the idea. They want to protect jobs on their reservations and prevent a statewide expansion of gaming.

Get the Story:
N.D. tribal leaders oppose off-reservation gambling (AP 6/29)
GF casino worries state tribes (The Grand Forks Herald 6/28)

Narragansett casino bill faces veto by governor

Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) is promising to veto the Narragansett Tribe's casino bill but Democrat lawmaker say they have enough votes to override it. $p The House joined the Senate in passing the bill on Friday. If it becomes law, voters will be asked whether they want the tribe and Harrah's Entertainment to open a casino in West Warwick. $p Carcieri says the casino is a "bad deal" for the state. He claims it will take revenues from two existing gaming facilities that share money with the states. He says an override of his veto is not certain.

Get the Story:
HOUSE PASSES CASINO (Journal Register News Service 6/26)
House adds its OK to casino proposal (AP 6/25)
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Rhode Island governor vows veto of casino bill

Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) threatened to veto legislation that would put the Narragansett Tribe's casino on the November ballot. $p Carcieri has been an outspoken opponent of the casino. He claims it will cause to non-Indian gaming facilities that share money with the state to lose revenue. He says casinos do not generate economic development. $p The Rhode Island Senate approved the bill yesterday. A vote is scheduled in the House today.

Get the Story:
Wheel spins toward casino vote (Journal Register News Service 6/25)
Over Carcieri's cries, Senate passes casino bill (The Providence Journal 6/25)
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Legislation for Narragansett casino bid questioned

A bill to put the Narragansett Tribe's casino bid before the voters is being questioned by supporters and opponents. $p Two versions of the bill were rushed through the House and Senate on Tuesday evening. Now that more people have looked at it, they are concerned about the time frames imposed, revenue-sharing, regulation of the casino and law enforcement duties. $p The biggest issue appears to be how much the tribe and Harrah's Entertainment would pay for the right to operate the casino. In addition to a $100 million license fee, the partnership would contribute a percentage of slot machine revenues. The figures range from 25 percent to 40 percent, depending on how much the casino makes. $P Another concern is the impact on two non-Indian gaming facilities. The facilities are worried about losing revenue and say the bill could prevent them from negotiating a lower tax rate. Currently, they pay 60 percent of video slot machine revenues to the state.

Get the Story:
Confusion remains on casino legislation (The Providence Journal 6/24)
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Pennsylvania slot machine bill said to exclude tribes

Republican and Democrat lawmakers in Pennsylvania reached a deal to legalize slot machines but tribes are not included in the proposal, negotiators said. $P Sen. Vincent Fumo, a Democrat, wanted the bill to include the Delaware Nation and the Delaware Tribe, both of Oklahoma. The tribes have filed a claim for ancestral territory but are willing to drop it for gaming rights in the state. $p But Fumo dropped his request, according to a Republican lawmaker. Republicans opposed a provision for the tribes. $P Gov. Ed Rendell (D) has said he will not support the tribes' casino bid.

Get the Story:
Slots of hope: Lawmakers say they have deal (AP 6/24)

Gaming companies outspend Minnesota tribes

Gaming interests seeking to break the tribal monopoly on slot machines outspent Minnesota tribes by more than 2-1, the Associated Press reports. $p Caesars Entertainment spent the most money on lobbying -- $636,000. The company wants to build a casino near the Mall of America. $p Overall, non-Indian gaming interest spent more than $1 million from January through May. In contrast, tribes spent about $320,000.

Get the Story:
Caesars led in state lobbying on gambling (AP 6/24)
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First Nation casino objects to tough smoking law

The Scugog Island First Nation of Ontario says its casino doesn't have to comply with a tough new smoking law. $p The law bans smoking except in designated rooms at casinos. The room must be separated from the non-smoking area, according to the law. $p The casino has designated smoking and non-smoking areas but they are not isolated. First Nations officials say the law does not apply on the reserve.

Get the Story:
Casino fights smoking law (The Toronto Star 6/23)

Bills to put Narragansett casino on ballot approved

The Narragansett Tribe got a step closer to opening a casino in Rhode Island with the approval of two bills to put the issue on the November ballot. $p Voters will be asked: "Shall there be a casino in the town of West Warwick operated by an affiliate of Harrah's Entertainment in association with the Narragansett Indian Tribe?" $p The bills set out how much the tribe and partner Harrah's Entertainment will pay for the right to open a casino. The payments include a $100 million license fee, a hotel tax and 25 percent to 40 percent of slot machine revenues, depending on how much the casino earns.

Get the Story:
Panels vote to put casino on ballot (The Providence Journal 6/23)
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Casino pact edges forward (Journal Register News Service 6/23)

Washington tribe suspicious of petition spending

The promoter of a petition to authorize slot machines at non-tribal casinos in Washington is receiving most of his money from out-of-state gaming interests, The Seattle Post-Inteligencer reports. $p Tim Eyman has received nearly $300,000 from casinos in Nevada and Canada. The money is going to Initiative 892, he says. $p But the Muckleshoot Tribe, which is financing the No on I-892 campaign, questions whether Eyman is mixing the gaming money with Initiative 864, a tax-cutting measure he is also sponsoring. Eyman denies mixing funds but is spending far less to promote I-864 than I-892. $p Other tribes have started the Campaign for Tribal Self-Reliance to fight I-892. The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe, the Swinomish Tribe, the Nisqually Tribe and the Washington Indian Gaming Association leading the effort.

Get the Story:
Gambling industry bankrolls Eyman (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 6/16)

Poll finds voters divided over Narragansett casino

Rhode Islands voters are deeply divided over the Narragansett Tribe's proposed casino, according to a poll released on Tuesday. $p The poll found that 47 percent supported a casino while 43 were opposed. Another 10 percent were undecided. $p The poll was conducted by Brown's Taubman Center for Public Policy. The margin of error was 5 percentage points, so the race is basically a dead heat. $p The tribe needs voter approval to build a casino. Lawmakers are considering putting the issue on the November ballot.

Get the Story:
Latest poll still shows sharp split over casino (The Providence Journal 6/16)
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Delaware land claim clouds fate of slot machine bill

Pennsylvania Republicans say they won't support a bill to legalize slot machines if it includes language authorizing a deal with two Oklahoma tribes. $p The Delaware Nation and the Delaware Tribe have laid claim to ancestral land in Pennsylvania. They say they are willing to settle for gaming rights in the state. $p Democrat Sen. Vincent Fumo says he wants to make sure the slot machine bill leaves open the possibility for an agreement with the tribes. Otherwise, he says, the tribes would be able to operate casinos without regard for the state if the land claim is deemed valid.

Get the Story:
Indians again an issue in slots negotiations (AP 6/14)
Future of slots bill may not be decided before summer (The Express-Times 6/15)

Lawmaker wants Narragansett anti-gaming rider lifted

A Rhode Island lawmaker says a rider that prohibits the Narragansett Tribe from gaming on their reservation should be lifted.

Former U.S. Sen. John Chafee (R-R.I.) placed the rider in an appropriations bill after the tribe won a court victory to offer gaming on the reservation. The rider overturns the decision by preventing the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act from applying to tribal lands. The tribe must also gain voter approval to open a casino.

State Sen. Leonidas P. Raptakis (D) says the rider should be repealed because the tribe is not getting a good deal from its partnership with Harrah's Entertainment. The tribe would only get a 7.5-percent ownership share in a proposed casino in West Warwick.

Get the Story:
Repeal would allow tribal land gaming (The Providence Journal 6/11)
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Landscape continues to shift on casino referendum (The Providence Journal 6/110
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Harrah's offers more for Narragansett casino

Harrah's Entertainment says it will raise its offer for the right to open a casino with the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island.

The company is offering a $100 million licensing fee over 10 years plus a percentage of gaming revenues, between 25 percent and 35 percent. Lawmakers say they want more out of the tribe in the long run.

The tribe needs voter approval before moving forward. Lawmakers are considering putting the issue on the November ballot.

The project is expected to create thousands of jobs for the state. A tribal casinos from Connecticut is recruiting in Rhode Island.

Get the Story:
Harrah’s offers to sweeten casino deal (AP 6/9)
Foxwoods lures R.I. workers (The Providence Journal 6/8)
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Bill requires notification of compact talks

The Louisiana House approved a bill requiring the governor to notify lawmakers and local officials of any gaming compact negotiations.

The bill arose when former governor Mike Foster (D) negotiated an agreement with the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians. The compact became public only after it had been submitted to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for approval.

The bill goes on to the Senate for consideration.

Get the Story:
House OKs bill to require notification of Indian compact negotiations (AP 6/8)

Tribal casino partner told to offer state more money

Lawmakers in Rhode Island said they won't vote on a proposed tribal casino unless Harrah’s Entertainment offers a better deal to the state.

Harrah’s Entertainment is already offering $100 million over 10 years and a percentage of revenues to the state. But members of the House and the Senate are convinced the company can give up more and met with Harrah's executives yesterday to discuss a deal.

The Narragansett Tribe is working with Harrah's to open a casino. The tribe needs voter approval to move forward.

Get the Story:
Lawmakers want Harrah’s to raise ante (AP 6/4)
Assembly asks Harrah's for more (The Providence Journal 6/4)
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Narragansett Tribe blasts state for casino job fair

The Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island criticized the state for sponsoring job fairs for a tribal casino in Connecticut.

Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas called Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) a hypocrite because he opposes tribal gaming. But Carcieri had nothing to do with the job fair, his office said.

The Narragansett Tribe is seeking voter approval to build a casino. One of Carcieri's arguments against the proposal is that casinos don't offer "real" jobs.

Get the Story:
Tribe rips Carcieri for Foxwoods job fairs being held in R.I. (The Providence Journal 6/2)
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Tribe trashes Carcieri (The Pawtucket Times 6/2)
Casino backers lash out against Carcieri (The Kent County Times 6/2)

Amendment offered to approve Catawba Nation bingo

A South Carolina lawmaker offered an amendment on Tuesday to approve the Catawba Nation's high-stakes bingo hall.

The tribe wants state approval for an off-reservation facility. State Sen. Brad Hutto (D) said it would create 1,100 jobs.

Lawmakers have until early June to act of face a legal battle that state officials said the tribe would probably win. The tribe says it will reintroduce video poker on the reservation if it can't get approval for the bingo hall.

Get the Story:
Income tax fight brings out `Bingo' (AP 5/26)
atawbas threaten to play video poker card (The Rock Hill Herald 5/26)

Rhode Island Senate begins gaming hearings

A Rhode Island Senate committee began hearings on Monday on the Narragansett Tribe's casino proposal.

Gary Loveman, CEO and president of Harrah's Entertainment, the tribe's partner in the project, testified. He was asked why the tribe was involved at all in a deal that will send millions to the state but far less to the tribe.

The tribe and Harrah's say the state will get $114 million and $128 million in annual revenues. The tribe would get $20 million a year. After 20 years, the tribe would have the option of taking over the casino.

Lawmakers are considering putting the casino on the November ballot. The tribe needs state approval to proceed. The House already held hearings on the proposal.

Get the Story:
Grilling of Harrah's shifts to Senate (The Providence Journal 5/25
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Harrah's says casino will be boon to state (AP 5/24)

Time running out on Catawba Nation gaming bill

Lawmakers in South Carolina have until June 3 to act on the Catawba Nation's gaming proposal or face a lawsuit that state officials say the tribe will win.

The tribe wants to open a high-stakes bingo hall off the reservation. State approval is needed because the tribe's settlement act places it under state gaming laws rather than the federal Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

The alternative is a return of video poker. Although poker machines are now outlawed, the ban doesn't apply to the tribe, according to the state attorney general's office. The tribe says it will bring back video poker machines to the reservation if the off-reservation bingo hall isn't approved.

Get the Story:
Catawbas continue push for bingo hall (Knight Ridder News 5/24)

Wisconsin tribes not worried about Illinois casino

Two Wisconsin tribes say they are moving forward with their casino plans regardless of a possible casino over the border in Illinois.

The Bad River and St. Croix bands of Chippewa are seeking federal approval to have 26 acres placed in trust in Beloit, Wisconsin. They are planning a major facility with 3,000 casino machines, a hotel, a conference center and other amenities.

In nearby Rockford, Illinois, the mayor says the Illinois Legislature should authorize a casino. He says it would discourage the tribes from proceeding with theirs.

Get the Story:
Beloit casino project moves ahead (The Rockford Register Star 5/21)

Rhode Island lawmakers want more from tribal casino

Rhode Island lawmakers polled by The Providence Journal say they aren't impressed by the casino deal offered by the Narragansett Tribe and Harrah's Entertainment.

The tribe and Harrah's have offered 25 percent of casino revenues and $100 million over 10 years for a license fee. But a majority of House Finance Committee members don't think the deal is good for the state.

The committee held hearings on a possible casino, which is opposed by two non-Indian betting facilities and Gov. Donald Carcieri (R). The committee is considering a bill to put the casino on the November ballot.

Get the Story:
Legislators: Harrah's hasn't dealt all its cards (The Providence Journal 5/20)
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Next step unclear in casino pitch (The Pawtucket Times 5/20)

Wisconsin governor to veto Republican gaming bill

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle (D) said he will veto a Republican-drafted bill to give the Legislature final approval over tribal-state gaming compacts.

Doyle vetoed two similar bills last year. Lawmakers do not appear to have enough votes to override him, The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel reported.

Republicans think they can get a better deal out of the tribes, who are expected to contribute $207 million in payments to the state this year and the next. The lawmakers were behind last week's Supreme Court case that struck down compacts allowing more Class III games, longer hours of operation and an extended compact.

Get the Story:
Lawmakers vote to have final say on casino deals (The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel 5/20)

Wisconsin Republicans want final say on compacts

Wisconsin Republicans are pushing for a vote on a bill that would give the Legislature final say on tribal-state compacts.

Republican lawmakers were behind a successful court challenge to the first compact Gov. Jim Doyle (D) signed. They claim they can get a better deal out of the tribes.

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled last week that Doyle overstepped his authority, threatening an estimated $207 million in revenues tribes were to share with the state.

Get the Story:
GOP to force vote on latest casino bill (The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 5/19)
Legislature readies third attempt at oversight of compacts (AP 5/18)

Rhode Island gaming facilities want lower tax rate

Two non-Indian gaming facilities in Rhode Island say they want their tax rate lowered if a tribal casino is approved.

Lincoln Park and Newport Grand are currently taxed 60 percent. The revenues go to the state.

The Narragansett Tribe is proposing to share 25 percent of the first $400 million earned by the casino and up to 35 percent on amounts above that. The tribe and its partner, Harrah's Entertainment, say they will pay an extra $100 million over 10 years for the right to exclusive Class III gaming.

Get the Story:
Newport Grand, Lincoln Park attack casino proposal (The Providence Journal 5/18)
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Track barks at tribe (The Pawtucket Times 5/18)

Rhode Island governor testifies against tribal casino

Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) testified on Thursday against a bill to put a tribal casino on the November ballot.

Carcieri claims a tribal casino would siphon revenues from two existing gaming facilities that are taxed by the state. He said that it would open the door to full-fledged gaming at those facilities.

The Narragansett Tribe has partnered with Harrah's Entertainment for a casino in West Warwick. The tribe needs voter approval to proceed.

Get the Story:
Carcieri: State could end up with 3 casinos (The Providence Journal 5/14)
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Carcieri asks panel to oppose W.W. casino (AP 5/14)

New bill for urban casino in Minnesota drafted

A Democratic lawmaker in Minnesota has drafted a new bill for a tribal casino but says it is unlikely the proposal will get anywhere.

State Sen. Larry Pogemiller, chairman of the Senate Taxes Committee, wants to allow at least 9 of the state's 11 gaming tribes to negotiate for an urban casino. The tribes would share between 20 and 50 percent of the revenues. The bill hasn't been circulated among tribes and one tribal official said most tribes probably won't support it.

The committee approved Pogemiller's bill after voting against bills to allow non-Indian gaming.

Get the Story:
More gambling? It's not in the cards (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 5/14)
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Senate committee approves completely new gambling package (AP 5/13)

Oklahoma House repeals tribal-state gaming act

The Oklahoma House has joined the Senate in repealing the tribal-state gaming compact act.

Large tribes, notably the Chickasaw, Cherokee and Choctaw nations, lobbied heavily to get SB 553 passed. They are now convinced they can get Oklahoma voters to legalize certain electronic casino machines for tribal casinos and three racetracks.

The bill that repealed SB553 calls for a November 2 vote. Opponents of the compact say this provision may be illegal and are gathering signatures for an initiative petition.

Get the Story:
Track gaming bill on its way to governor after House vote (The Daily Oklahoman 5/13)
House OKs gaming vote (The Daily Oklahoman 5/12)
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New Oklahoma gaming compact has Cherokee support (The Native American Times 5/12)

Narragansett Tribe's casino partner offers more

The backers of the Narragansett Tribe's proposed casino in Rhode Island offered to pay the state $100 for a casino license in addition to a revenue-sharing arrangement.

Harrah's Entertainment CEO and president Gary W. Loveman testified before a House committee yesterday and said the tribe would invest $600 million to build the casino, pay $140 in taxes and pay $100 million for the license. In addition, he said the tribe would share 25 percent of on the first $400 million of revenues and up to 35 percent of earnings over $900 million.

Harrah's also estimates the state would see $114 million in new revenues the first year the casino is in operation, $121.3 million the second year and $128.2 million the third.

The tribe has been seeking a casino for several years and needs voter approval. Lawmakers are considering putting the issue on the November ballot.

Get the Story:
Harrah's ups the ante (The Providence Journal 5/13)
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Study: Casino would bring new prosperity, burdens (The Providence Journal 5/13)
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Casino hearings begin (The Kent County Daily Times 5/13)
Gaming Giant: Let Us Take On Foxwoods, Mohegan Sun (The New London Day 5/13)
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Councilman seeks to keep Lincoln's options open (The Providence Journal 5/13)
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Harrah's says state can't lose with a casino (AP 5/12)
House panel hears about ``dark side'' of gambling (AP 5/12)
Narragansetts Face Potential Casino Competitor (Turn to 10 News 5/12)

Small tribe questions why others can't turn profit

The Minnesota Senate Tax Committee took testimony on Wednesday on a bill to authorize an urban casino for two remote tribes.

But the leader of the Upper Sioux Community questioned why the tribes aren't seeing success with their gaming operations. Chairwoman Helen Blue Redner said her tribe's casino, despite offering fewer slot machines in a rural area, makes five times what the White Earth and Red Lake bands of Ojibwe make.

Angela Heikes, vice president of gaming planning and analysis for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe, also testified. She said the Mille Lacs Tribe would lose 40 percent in revenues if the urban casino is allowed.

A House committee has already voted down the urban casino. Most of the state's tribes, who also operate casinos, oppose the proposal.

Get the Story:
Tribe leader questions casino profits (The Fargo In-Forum 5/13)
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Mille Lacs Band official fears impacts of Twin Cities casino (The St. Cloud Times 5/13)

Report touting Narragansett casino questioned

The author of a report touting the benefits of a tribal casino in Rhode Island is being accused of working for the gaming industry.

Clyde W. Barrow, director of the UMass-Dartmouth Center for Policy Analysis, wrote the report for the State Senate. He said the Narragansett Tribe's proposed casino would increase revenues for the state without hurting the business of two existing gaming facilities.

Sen. Leonidas Raptakis, a Democrat, accused Barrow of being connection to Harrah's Entertainment, the tribe's partner. The tribe and Harrah's have been including an earlier report by Barrow in their promotional package but Barrow said that study was made available to anyone. $p Pro-union supporter of the casino rallied yesterday in advance of a hearing before the House Finance Committee today. The committee will take up the tribal proposal.

Get the Story:
Casino backers rally on eve of House hearing (The Providence Journal 5/12)
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Council passes resolution against casino (The Providence Journal 5/12)
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Unions rally for new casino (The Journal Register News Service 5/12)
Casino interests make their pitch to lawmakers (AP 5/11)
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Union workers rally for vote on proposed casino (AP 5/11)
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Casino proposed in Chicago, this time by mayor

The mayor of Chicago asked the Illinois Legislature to approve the state's first land-based casino, a week after the Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin announced plans for a casino in a Chicago suburb.

Mayor Richard Daley says the casino will generate $550 million in annual revenues for the state and as much as $300 million for the city.

The Ho-Chunk Nation says its facility will generate $350 million a year in net revenues, of which $87 million, or 25 percent, would go to the state.

Get the Story:
Daley launches push for city casino (The Chicago Tribune 5/11)
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Chicago Mayor Seeks Casino Owned by City (The New York Times 5/11)
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Chip in or cash out? (The Gary Post-Tribune 5/11)

Report supporting Rhode Island tribal casino bashed

A non-Indian gaming facility in Rhode Island says a State Senate report touting the benefits of a tribal casino is "garbage."

Lincoln Park claims its business will be hurt if the Narragansett Tribe gets a casino. But the report, prepared by a professor at the University of Massachusetts, says non-Indian gaming revenues will drop by less than 10 percent.

Lincoln Park and Newport Grand, the other non-Indian gaming facility, are allowed to offer video lottery terminals.

Rhode Island lawmakers are considering proposals to put the tribal casino on the November ballot and to allow slot machines at Lincoln Park and Newport Grand.

Get the Story:
Park pans Senate casino report (Journal Register News Service 5/11)
Rhode Island Revisits Proposal For A Casino (The New London Day 5/11)
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Alaska village won't fight state jurisdiction on pull-tabs

The Alaska Native village of Barrow has agreed to seek a state permit for its pull-tab operation.

The tribe disputes the state's jurisdiction over the operation. But the tribe has no money to challenge the state in court.

The state raided the operation and shut it down last June. The tribe contend the action violated its sovereignty.

Get the Story:
Native village gives up in pull-tab dispute (AP 5/10)
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More Washington tribes joining fight against initiative

The Tulalip Tribes and the Stillaguamish Tribe are joining the battle against a ballot initiative to expand non-Indian gaming in Washington.

Initiative 892 would allow card clubs and certain other businesses to offer slot machines. Tribes say it would lead to an unwarranted expansion of gaming.

The Muckleshoot Tribe provided $50,000 in startup funds for the effort.

Get the Story:
Tribes fight gambling initiative (The Everett Herald 5/10)

Some Catawbas opposed to tribe's gaming plans

Some members of the Catawba Nation of South Carolina are opposed to the tribe's bid for a high-stakes bingo hall.

Tribal members say their leaders are focusing too much on the outside community. The bingo hall would be located off the reservation.

The tribe filed a lawsuit to affirm its gaming rights on the reservation but some oppose the case. The tribe's real goal is the bingo hall.

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Some tribal members concerned about gambling proposal (AP 5/8)
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Study says Narragansett casino will benefit state

A study commissioned by the Rhode Island Senate finds that a tribal casino will have positive benefits for the state and will not hurt two existing gaming operations.

Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) has used those two arguments to oppose the Narragansett Tribe's casino proposal.

But the study from Clyde Barrow, director of the Center for Policy Analysis at the University of Massachusetts at Dartmouth, shows that the state will see a net benefit of $118.9 million in revenues and a less than 10 percent drop in gaming at two racetracks.

The tribe needs voter approval for a casino.

Get the Story:
West Warwick casino impact study released (The Kent County Daily Times 5/7)

Bill for urban tribal casino in Minnesota defeated

A Minnesota House committee voted 13-9 against a bill to establish an urban casino for two Ojibwe tribes.

Casino backer Rep. Bill Haas (R) blamed other tribes and an anti-gaming group for the bill's defeat. He had been hoping to get the bill to the floor for a floor vote.

The White Earth and Red Lake bands of Ojibwe sought an urban casino due to the remote location. But other tribes opposed the bill.

Get the Story:
House panel rejects metro casino (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 5/7)
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Oklahoma tribes support repeal of gaming compact bill

The Oklahoma Indian Gaming Association is advocating for the repeal of the tribal-state compact bill so that the issue can be put before the voters this November, The Daily Oklahoman reports.

OIGA chairman Brian Foster says the tribes will raise "a kazillion dollars" to ensure passage because churches that oppose gaming will be spending "a kazillion dollars" to defeat it.

Cherokee Nation Principal Chief Chad Smith says the compact will be approved with 65 percent of the vote. "I think the public is beginning to understanding that ... tribes can help this economy, that rural communities benefit economically from gaming and that tribes are responsible with the money it produces," he is quoted as saying.

The compact would legalize certain forms of electronic casino machines and require tribes to share a portion of revenues from those machines with the state.

Get the Story:
November vote sought on gaming (The Daily Oklahoman 5/6)
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Vote set on bill for urban tribal casino in Minnesota

The Minnesota House Tax Committee plans to vote on a bill to authorize an urban casino for two Ojibwe tribes.

The White Earth and Red Lake bands operate casinos on their remote reservations but haven't seen many benefits. They are willing to share revenues from an urban casino with the state.

Other tribes with successful casinos oppose the bill, as do other gaming interests.

Get the Story:
House panel to vote on casino plans (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 5/6)
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Billionaire calls gaming a 'tax on ignorance'

Billionaire investor Warren Buffett isn't supporting proposals to authorize Class III gaming in Nebraska.

While Buffett says gaming is "a perfect way to raise money" he believes it is "basically a tax on ignorance." "I don't like the idea of government essentially hoodwinking the citizenry," he was quoted by The Lincoln Journal Star as saying.

Lawmakers approved a ballot initiative to allow two casinos. Another petition seeks to authorize 4,900 slot machines at bars and other locations across the state.

Get the Story:
Buffett will vote against state casinos (The Lincoln Journal Star 5/4)

Debate opens on bill to allow slot machines in Texas

Debate on a bill to legalize slot machines in Texas is expected to last several days in the Texas House.

Gov. Rick Perry (R) says $1.5 billion in revenues from up to 40,000 slot machines at racetracks and tribal casinos will be used for education. The Tigua Tribe and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe support the proposal. Their Class III facilities were shut down by the federal courts.

Opponents say they have enough votes to kill the bill. The League of United Latin American Citizens, the Coalition to Invest in Texas Schools and lawmakers oppose the link between gaming and education and won't help public schools.

The Kickapoo Tribe opposes the measure as well. Unlike the other tribes, the Kickapoos are eligible for Class III gaming.

Get the Story:
School bill falters (The El Paso Times 5/4)

Muckleshoot Tribe funds effort against gaming initiative

The Muckleshoot Tribe of Washington is funding a political committee aimed at defeating a ballot initiative that would authorize non-Indian gaming.

The tribe gave $50,000 to the "No on I-892" committee, which is being run for a public affairs consultant for the tribe. Other groups are expected to join the effort.

Initiative 892 was launched by Tim Eyman. If approved, it would allow bowling alleys, bars, taverns and mini-casinos to operate as many as 14,000 slot machines. Eyman says gaming revenues will be used to lower property taxes.

Get the Story:
Tribe mounts opposition to Eyman's Initiative 892 (The Seattle Post-Intelligencer 5/4)
Tribe opposes gambling initiative (The Seattle Times 5/4)

Kansas Senate rejects bid to expand gaming

The Kansas Senate voted 26-14 against a proposal to expand gaming at state-owned and operated casinos.

Gov. Kathleen Sebelius (D) said five new casinos and the addition of video lottery machines would generate $250 million for the state. Lawmakers disagreed, pointing to existing gaming at tribal casinos.

Sebelius is negotiating a revenue-sharing compact with the Kickapoo Tribe and the Sac and Fox Nation to build an urban casino.

Get the Story:
Senate rejects plan to widen gambling (The Kansas City Star 4/30)
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Navajo Nation to hold referendum on gaming

Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. believes tribal members will eventually approve gaming for the entire reservation.

Voters will get a chance to prove Shirley right, or wrong, this fall. The Navajo Nation council schedule a referendum August 3 on gaming.

Two prior referendums have failed. But Shirley pointed out that the margin between those who support gambling and those against it is closing in.

The tribe has approved gaming for a community near Albuquerque, New Mexico, that is detached from the main reservation.

Get the Story:
Navajo schedule 3rd referendum on gambling (The Arizona Republic 4/28)

Proposed fees on slot machines in Texas called too low

The Tigua Tribe of Texas says a bill to impose a $25,000 fee on every slot machine is too high. But a consultant says its not high enough.

State Reps. Jim Pitts (R) and Ron Wilson (D) introduced a bill to authorize up to 40,000 video slot machines at racetracks and tribal casinos. Revenues would be directed to education.

The tracks would pay 40 percent to the state while the tribes would pay 25 percent. The Tigua Tribe says it can't afford the high fees associated with the machines.

But consultant Jeff Hooke, whose travel expenses to Texas were paid by the Baptist General Convention, according to The Houston Chronicle, said the state should charge more. He pointed to a casino in Detroit, Michigan, where a tribe reportedly paid $265 million for an interest in slot machines.

Get the Story:
East Texas lawmakers voice doubts about plan (The Lufkin Daily News 4/28)
Video gambling fees too cheap, critic says (The Houston Chronicle 4/28)

Casino firm gave checks to Minnesota lawmakers

The world's largest casino company has fired a lobbyist for giving checks to Minnesota lawmakers considering an expansion of gaming in the state.

Envelopes containing seven checks were sent to the lawmakers. Two of the checks came from two senior Caesars Entertainment executives and three from a group associated with Caesars in Indiana, The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports.

Caesars, formerly known as Park Place, is proposing to a build a casino in the Mall of America in the Twin Cities. The company is working with several tribes on casinos, most notably the St. Regis Mohawk of New York.

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Legislators turn down casino checks (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 4/28)
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Tigua Tribe doesn't support fee on slot machines

The Tigua Tribe of Texas says it can't afford a proposed $25,000 licensing fee per slot machine but does support an 8 percent revenue-sharing compact.

The tribe testified at a Texas House committee hearing yesterday. The tribe's lawyer said a bill to allow 40,000 slot machines in exchange for the high fee is "something that we can't afford," according to The El Paso Times.

The tribe supports another bill to authorize the compact. Tribes would pay 8 percent of slot machine revenues while racetracks would pay 40 percent.

The Tigua Tribe and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe were operating Class III facilities that have been shut down by the federal courts. The Kickapoo Tribe is eligible for Class III gaming under procedures approved by the Interior Department. The tribe opposes the slots bill.

Get the Story:
1 gaming proposal wouldn't help Tiguas (The El Paso Times 4/27)
Lawmakers see slots as school funding source (The Dallas Morning News 4/27)
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Michigan tribe's ad questions use of lottery revenues

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan is standing by a print advertisement that questions whether a proposal to add slot machines at racetracks will benefit public education.

The tribe ties the issue to the state lottery. The ad says: "You remember the promise...all lottery profits would go to education. But like so many promises, that one was broken."

The racetracks say the ad is misleading because the lottery does benefit public education. The tribe says, initially, that wasn't the case.

The tribe opposes a bill that would legalize the slot machines for the tracks.

Get the Story:
Horse tracks, Lottery contest ad run by Indian tribe (AP 4/26)

Narragansett Tribe promotes casino bid at fish fry

Hundreds of people turned out to support the Narragansett Tribe's bid for a casino in Rhode Island.

The tribe hosted its fourth annual fish fry in West Warwick, the site of the proposed casino. The town and local leaders support the project, saying it will care much needed jobs and revenue.

Gov. Don Carcieri (R) opposes the casino, which he says is an expansion of gaming. The state hosts two racetracks that are seeking to add slot machines to their facilities. A poll conducted by one of the tracks, Lincoln Park, shows that 9 out of 10 gamblers would rather visit a full-fledged resort casino, like the one the tribe has in mind.

The tribe needs voter approval to open the casino. Lawmakers are considering adding a gaming proposal to the November ballot.

Get the Story:
Hundreds join Indians for fish fry (The Kent County Daily Times 4/26)
9 out of 10 bettors prefer resort casino (The Pawtucket Times 4/24)

Rhode Island lawmaker says gaming headed to ballot

The Democratic leader of the Rhode Island Senate thinks some sort of gaming proposal will be on the ballot this November.

Senate President Joseph A. Montalbano said the state is looking to gaming to patch up its budget deficit. Proposals include a casino for the Narragansett Tribe or an expansion of gaming at two racetracks. $p The tribe needs voter approval for a casino but state lawmakers have refused in prior years to put the issue on the ballot. The tribe's partner, Harrah's Entertainment, foresees a $500 million facility with 3,500 slot machines and a 500-room hotel.

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Fertile Casino Ground (The Hartford Courant 4/23)
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Bill for urban casino in Minnesota put on hold

A bill to authorize an urban casino for two Minnesota tribes has been put on hold so that it can be heard by another committee.

The Red Lake and White Earth bands of Ojibwe operate casinos on their remote reservations. They want to open one in the Twin Cities area and share revenues with the state.

The bill is being sent to another committee to address a taxation issue. Sponsor Rep. Bill Haas (R) says he still expects it to get a floor vote.

Get the Story:
Metro-area casino plan put on hold (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 4/21)
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Legal opinion cites tribe's strong case for gaming

South Carolina attorney general Henry McMaster has issued a legal opinion stating the Catawba Nation has a "serious" claim to expanded gaming.

The tribe wants to offer high-stakes bingo or video poker but is running into opposition from some state leaders, including Gov. Mark Sanford. McMaster's opinion warns that the state could lose if the tribe brings a lawsuit to assert its rights.

The tribe was recognized by an act of Congress that allows Class II gaming under state law. Currently, the tribe cannot game under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Get the Story:
Catawbas' case gets stronger (The Orangeburg Times and Democrat 4/20)

Lobbyists for R.I. tribe paid nearly $40K last month

A team of lobbyists hired to promote a casino for the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island were paid nearly $40,000 in fees last month alone.

The Providence Journal reported the monthly fees of eight lobbyists who are either employed by the tribe or by Harrah's Entertainment, the tribe's gaming partner. Two lawyers were each paid $10,500 for their work, the highest payment.

The list of lobbyists includes former West Warwick mayor J. Michael Levesque, a Republican.

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Levesque working as lobbyist for Harrah's (The Proidence Journal 4/16)
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Nebraska lawmakers send casino bid to voters

The Nebraska Legislature on Wednesday narrowly approved a two-casino measure for the November ballot.

The proposed constitutional amendment needed 30 votes to be placed on the ballot. It received 31 votes.

The measure is seen as a compromise to an earlier versions that would have allowed up to eight casinos. It is seen as a more reasoned alternative to a ballot initiative to allow video gaming in bars throughout the state.

If the amendment is approved, Nebraska's four recognized tribes would be able to offer gaming on their lands.

Get the Story:
Gambling will be on the ballot (The Lincoln Journal Star 4/15)

Poarch Creek Band's casinos fund operations

Thanks to gaming, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians of Alabama have emerged from poverty and depression.

The tribe, which gained recognition in 1984, own three bingo halls. Gaming revenues fund health, education and other services for the long-neglected tribe. The money has also been used to start other tribal businesses, including a metal products manufacturing plant that does work for the federal government.

The tribe wants to build an expanded casino and is willing to share revenues with the state. Lawmakers are considering a plan to legalize some forms of electronic gaming at dog tracks, a bill the tribe opposes.

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Poarch more than gambling, say Tullis, Atmore officials (The Mobile Register 4/15)

Minnesota GOP sees support for urban tribal casino

Minnesota Republicans backing a plan to authorize an urban casino for two tribes say opposition from Democrats is loosening.

Democrats have traditionally opposed any expansion of gaming. They say the state should keep its promise to limit Class III gaming to existing casinos.

But Republicans are confident they can pass the casino bill to help the remote Red Lake and White Earth Ojibwe bands. The two tribes operate casinos but have not benefited from gaming as much as other tribes. The urban casino would share revenues with the state.

Get the Story:
Tribe's casino dreams may fly (The In-Forum 4/15)

Panel to examine future of gambling in Michigan

The "Future of Gambling in Michigan" is the title of a forum being held at Central Michigan University tonight.

The panel will include representatives of various interests -- tribes, racetracks, anti-gamblers, lawmakers and Gov. John Engler. Audrey Falcon, chief of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe, which operates a casino is the only tribal member on the panel.

A forum organizer says the hot topic will be a bid to allow electronic gaming machines at racetracks. Tribes are opposing the proposal. Another hot issue will be revenue-sharing in gaming compacts.

Get the Story:
Casino gaming is hot topic tonight (Central Michigan Life 4/14)

R.I. bill would open tribal casino to competition

The Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island is criticizing a bill that would open up the casino approval process to competitive bids.

The tribe has been pushing for a casino in West Warwick, where local support is high. The tribe needs to get the issue on the statewide ballot to move forward. $p But some members of the House say the vote should be tied to a competitive bid. House Majority Whip Rene Menard, a Democrat, says approval of a casino license for the tribe, and only the tribe, would be "giving it away for free."

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Competitive bidding proposed for any casino (The Providence Journal 4/14)
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Non-tribal casinos pour money into slot initiative

Non-tribal casinos in Washington have donated $62,500 to an initiative that would allow them to offer slot machines.

According to The Seattle Times, three non-tribal casinos contributed money to Tim Eyman, a sometimes controversial figure in initiative politics in Washington. Eyman's initiative would lower state property taxes by taxing slot machine revenues at non-tribal facilities. $p Currently, only tribes are allowed to offer slot machines. Card clubs are limited to certain card games.

Get the Story:
Nontribal casinos donating to Eyman initiative (The Seattle Times 4/13)

Two Minnesota tribes pin hopes on urban casino

Two Minnesota tribes say an urban casino will create jobs, reduce poverty and help them become more self-sufficient.

That's what gaming has done for other tribes in the state. But the boom has passed by the White Earth and the Red Lake bands of Ojibwe, who make up two-thirds of Minnesota's Indian population and suffer from poor housing, high crime and other problems linked to poverty. $p The two tribes operate casinos but revenues are too small to make an impact. So they are backing a bill to create a casino in the Twin Cities, and are willing to share revenues with the state in hopes of getting some benefits. But other tribes with successful casinos oppose the proposal, fearing an urban facility will destroy their market.

Get the Story:
A TRIBAL DIVIDE (The St. Paul Pioneer Press 4/11)

Texas governor proposes video lottery gaming for tribes

Texas Governor Rick Perry (R) included a provision in his school finance plan that would allow video lottery gaming for tribes and racetracks.

According to The El Paso Times, tribes could offer offer video lottery games for cash prizes. The prizes would be taxed and the revenues would go to public schools. $p The Tigua Tribe and the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe operated Class III games that were shut down when the state took them to court. Perry's proposal, which requires legislative and voter approval, would allow them to restart Class III games.

Get the Story:
Plan might reopen Tigua casino (The El Paso Times 4/9)

Bill to authorize casinos in Nebraska gains new life

Legislation to authorize Class III gaming in Nebraska was revived on Wednesday. $p The constitutional amendment was changed to allow two casinos instead of eight. Either way, tribes in the state would be able to offer gaming on their lands. $p The bill cleared three votes but needs to clear one final vote before it is approved for the ballot in November.

Get the Story:
Casino plan back on the table (The Lincoln Journal Star 4/8)
Omaha not a shoo-in under gambling compromise (The Omaha World-Herald 4/8)

Alaska casino raises questions about tribal gaming

A proposed tribal casino in Anchorage, Alaska, has some lawmakers worried about the possibility of tribes entering the gaming market.

Perry Green, a poker star, convinced the House Finance Committee to introduce a gaming bill. He wants to convert an failed state-owned seafood plant into a casino.

Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, tribes can game on "Indian" lands over which they exercise jurisdiction. But due to a 1998 Supreme Court decision, there is a question whether tribes in Alaska have jurisdiction over certain lands. $p Rep. John Harris, the main Republican sponsor of the bill, said he has to study the issue. At least one Alaska tribe has asked the National Indian Gaming Commission for authority to offer some type of gaming.

Get the Story:
Poker player deals state House in on casino bill (The Anchorage Daily News 4/6)

R.I. town votes against expansion of gaming

The Middletown, Rhode Island, town council passed a resolution opposed to any expansion of gaming in the state. $p The resolution criticizes a proposal in the State Legislature to put a casino vote before voters this November. The Narragansett Tribe needs state approval for any gaming.

Efforts to put the question on the ballot have failed in recent years.

Get the Story:
Casino gambling gets a 'no' vote (The Providence Journal 4/6)
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Feinstein, Schwarzenegger agree on gaming bill

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) is finding herself in agreement with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) over proposed amendments to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Feinstein wrote a letter to the leaders of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee opposing changes that would make it harder to justify revenue-sharing in tribal-state gaming compacts. She also contends the changes would lead to more electronic Class II machines that aren't regulated by the state.

Feinstein's criticisms echo ones Schwarzenegger raised in a letter to Sens. Ben Nighthorse Campbell (R-Colo.) and Daniel Inouye (D-Hawaii). Feinstein and Schwarzenegger say the state's position in negotiating compacts would be weakened by the amendments.

On Wednesday, the committee will mark up S.1529, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act Amendments of 2003. A Bureau of Indian Affairs official and Indian gaming industry leaders testified in favor of language that would provide guidance on revenue-sharing compacts.

Get the Story:
Feinstein opposed to bill to loosen oversight of tribal gaming (The Ukiah Daily Journal 4/5)

Bid for two tribal casinos in Michigan fails in House

A bill to authorize two tribal casinos in Michigan died in the House on Thursday. $p Provisions to allow the Bay Mills Indian Community to build a casino in Port Huron and the Sault Ste. Marie Chippewa Tribe to build a casino in Romulus had been added to the federal transportation bill last week. Reps. Candace Miller (R-Mich.) and John Dingell (D-Mich.) support the casinos. $P But the language was removed due to objections from Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Mich.).

Get the Story:
Bid for 2 new casinos fails (The Detroit News 4/2)
2 tribal casinos suffer a setback (The Detroit Free Press 4/2)

'Super Chief' Wadena doesn't support urban casino

A convicted felon who is nearing re-election as chairman of the White Earth Ojibwe Tribe of Minnesota says he doesn't' support an urban casino. $p Darrell "Chip'' Wadena told The St. Paul Pioneer Press that the tribe should focus on its reservation casino. But that facility hasn't generated significant revenues. $p The current tribal chairman, Doyle Turner, has been lobbying state lawmakers to authorize the urban casino. He placed third in the tribe's primary election. Wadena took the most votes and will face Erma Vizeno in the June 8 general election.

Get the Story:
GAMBLING: Tribal politics may hurt casino bill (The St. Paul Pioneer Press 4/1)

Casino-land swap added to transportation bill

A land claim-casino settlement for the Bay Mills Indian Community in Michigan was added to the transportation bill approved in the House on Wednesday.

The deal calls for the tribe to drop its claim to about 100 acres in the Charlotte Beach area of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. In exchange, the tribe would receive trust land in Port Huron for a casino that some in the community welcome as a way to stimulate development.

The settlement was originally introduced as S.2986. It faces opposition in the Senate, chiefly from Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nev.).

Get the Story:
House committee OKs casino deals (Gannett News Service 3/26)

Narragansett Tribe pushes governor on casino vote

The chief sachem of the Narragansett Tribe says Rhode Island Gov. Donald Carcieri (R) is subverting the will of the voters.

Matthew Thomas said Carcieri doesn't want voters to decide on his tribe's proposed casino. Polls the tribe has sponsored show a majority would approve the facility.

Thomas says Carcieri won't meet to even discuss the idea, but Carcieri says he is opposed to any new gaming. The state has two racetracks that offer video slots.

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Tribe chides Carcieri, calls for casino vote (The Pawtucket Times 3/25)

Neb. lawmakers may revive gaming amendment

In the final days of the Nebraska Legislature, the possibility of a two casino plan seems more likely, according to Speaker Curt Bromm.

Gaming has already consumed 26 hours of debate this session, according to The Lincoln Journal Star. But there weren't enough votes to advance a constitutional amendment to allow up to 8 casinos.

The head of the Gallup Poll organization wrote a letter to the legislators stating that he was opposed to gambling in Omaha because it would "instantly change the dignity, the sophistication and the positive image of business in our state."

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Casino Bill May Make a Rebound (The Lincoln Journal Star 3/25)

Minn. tribes see gaming threat as attack on their rights

Tribal leaders in Minnesota see a proposal to allow non-Indian gaming as an attack on their sovereignty and compacts they negotiated with the state.

Republican lawmakers are using the threat of non-Indian gaming to force tribes to share more revenues with the state. Their actions are motivated by greed and racism, says the attorney for the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, which owns one of the largest and most profitable casinos.

"I think it bothers people that this is a group of people of color who now have resources comparable to what the upper-middle class and upper class have," attorney William Hardacker told The Minneapolis Star Tribune.

The compacts guarantee tribal monopoly on slots. Republican lawmakers have threatened to make slots illegal, add video slots to a race track or allow a major casino in the Twin Cities.

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State looks to competition to force renegotiation of gambling compacts (The Minneapolis Star Tribune 3/24)
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Mich. tribes oppose 'racino' as lose-lose for state

Representatives of several tribes on Tuesday called for the Michigan Legislature to defeat bills that would turn seven racetracks into casinos.

Tribal leaders joined with county and school officials to protest "racino" bills pending in the Legislature. They said approval would lead to a loss in jobs and revenues for tribes, schools and local governments.

"In allowing slot machines at racetracks around the state, not only will the government lose millions, but Indian tribes, including the Pokagon Band, will lose revenue that helps fund and develop adequate housing, community centers and health care facilities," said John Miller, chairman of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi.

Representatives of the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the Sault St. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians, and the Lac Vieux Desert Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians took part in the protest. They cited a statewide survey of 600 likely voters that showed 67 percent oppose the racino bill.

Narragansett Tribe says public wants casino vote

The Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island is using a new poll to bolster its case for a casino.

A survey conducted by the tribe and its partner, Harrah's Entertainment, shows that 91 percent want to be able to vote on the proposed casino. The poll shows that 65 percent would vote in favor of it.

But a poll by the operator of a non-Indian gaming facility comes to the opposite conclusion. Lincoln Park's survey shows that only 19 percent supported a tribal casino.

The difference in results could come from the way the question was asked. The tribe's survey noted the state's deficit and mistreatment of the tribe while Lincoln Park's questioned how much a tribal facility would share with the state.

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Gaming firms utilizing polls to back their points of view (The Providence Journal 3/23)
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Penn. lawmaker 'sick' of promoting tribal casino

A Pennsylvania lawmaker said he's "sick" of touting the benefits of a tribal casino in the state.

If slot machines are legalized, Sen. Vincent Fumo, a Democrat from Philadelphia, wants a tribe with ancestral ties to the state to be able to compete for a license. But he said people aren't listening to him.

"Nobody wants to hear about it. I'm sick of carrying the banner and not making much headway. I haven't given up yet, but it's getting to that point," he told The Pittsburg Post-Gazette.

The Delaware Tribe and the Delaware Nation of Oklahoma want to settle a land claim in Pennsylvania for gaming rights. Fumo said the state should authorize a casino so that it can be regulated by the state.

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Key lawmaker softens stance on slot machines (The Pittsburg Post-Gazette 3/23)

States hope to keep gaming dollars at home

Officials in Maryland and Pennsylvania say they are tired of seeing residents gamble in New Jersey, West Virginia, Delaware and New York. So efforts are und