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Editorial: Worthy lawsuit on Seminole compact (12/24)

"As a rule, it is futile and wasteful for one government agency to sue another. A worthy exception is Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum suing to stop the U.S. Department of the Interior from formalizing...

BIA faces deadline to approve Seminole compact (12/21)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has until December 29 to approve or deny the Class III gaming compact for the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The fast-approaching deadline prompted Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum to file...

Florida AG sues to stop Seminole compact (12/20)

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum sued the Bush administration today to stop review of the Seminole Tribe's Class III gaming compact. The compact has been sent to the Bureau of Indian Affairs for approval. McCollum...

Fight brews over 'Big Four' California compacts (12/20)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs on Wednesday published approval of four controversial California Class III gaming compacts. But just what that means is still being debated. Supporters say the agreements are final and valid...

BIA publishes approval of 'Big Four' compacts (12/19)

The Class III gaming compacts for four California tribes are being published in the Federal Register today. The "Big Four" compacts are for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of...

Editorial: Seminole compact needs more review (12/14)

"With state coffers shortchanged, Gov. Charlie Crist was smart to negotiate a gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe. The wisdom of that effort, however, doesn't negate the need for a proper vetting of the...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe claims Class III rights (12/14)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts says it has a right to offer Class III games because the state allows casino nights and off-shore casino cruises. Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, a tribe is...

Florida lawmakers say they can negotiate compact (12/12)

Florida lawmakers say they can negotiate a Class III gaming compact directly with the Seminole Tribe. The Senate's legal counsel says nothing in federal law authorizes Gov. Charlie Crist (R) as the sole negotiator. Crist...

Florida court delays Seminole compact lawsuit (12/10)

The Florida Supreme Court unexpectedly delayed a hearing over the Seminole Tribe's lawsuit. The court was due to hear oral arguments on Wednesday. But they have been pushed back to January 30, 2008. Florida Republicans...

Opinion: No reason to hate Seminole compact (12/07)

"The voters of Broward County gave the pari-mutuels a real shot at success when they voted "yes" to slot casinos. Operators knew that they had limited time before they had equal competition from the Seminole...

Grand Traverse Band to distribute gaming funds (12/06)

The Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians will be distributing an estimated $1 million in casino revenues this winter. Under a consent decree, the tribe shares 2 percent of slot machine revenues with...

Editorial: Gaming compacts good for California (12/05)

"The federal government has given the nod to compacts between the state and four native tribes to expand casino operations. It's a positive step that will ultimately pump millions into the state and the Coachella...

Oklahoma court determines games are Class III (12/05)

An Oklahoma court has determined that two casino machines manufactured by Multimedia Games (MGAM) are Class III machines. Judge Noma Gurich in Oklahoma County said her determinations on MegaNanza and Reel Time Bingo are not...

Pokagon Band withholds first casino payment (12/05)

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians is withholding its first payment of casino revenues to local governments. The tribe agreed to share 2 percent of net revenue from electronic games with local governments. The first...

BIA approval of California compacts debated (12/04)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has approved controversial Class III gaming compacts for four tribes in California. Now what? Nobody seems to know for sure. The anti-compact No on the Unfair Gambling Deals says approval...

Florida court to hear Seminole compact lawsuit (12/04)

The Florida Supreme Court will hear oral arguments December 12 on a lawsuit that challenges the ability of Gov. Charlie Crist (R) to sign a Class III gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe. Crist...

BIA approves four California gaming compacts (12/03)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has approved four Class III gaming compacts in California that are the subject of an upcoming referendum. The approval means the compacts will become legally effective once they are...

Opinion: Vote no on California gaming compacts (12/03)

"Every once in a while voters get a chance to correct a legislative mistake. The Secretary of State has officially qualified four referenda, Propositions 94, 95, 96 and 97, for the February 5, 2008...

Fight brews over gaming compacts in California (11/30)

Another battle is brewing at the polls over the Indian gaming industry in California. Four tribes signed Class III gaming compacts to add more slot machines to their casinos. In exchange, they are sharing...

Judge won't stop gaming compact referendum (11/28)

A judge in California said a voter referendum on the gaming compact for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians can go forward. The tribe sued in state court to stop the February 5,...

Gov. Schwarzenegger backs disputed compacts (11/27)

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is taking a more public stance on four gaming compacts that are being put to a statewide vote. Schwarzenegger recently filed arguments against the four ballot measures. Voters are...

Column: Good news and bad news in compact fight (11/26)

"The bad news for four SoCal Indian tribes that want voters to approve deals allowing their already-big casinos to get bigger is that the public is kind of lukewarm about the idea so far....

Gov. Schwarzenegger jumps into compact fight (11/21)

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) filed a brief in a case that seeks to halt a February 2008 vote on four Class III gaming compacts. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians sued to...

Racetracks worried about Seminole compact (11/21)

Racetrack operators in Florida say they will lose money once the Seminole Tribe starts offering Class III games. The tracks say the tribe's compact is unfair. They pay a 50 percent tax to the state....

Saginaw Chippewa Tribe shares gaming revenues (11/21)

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan distributed more than $3.7 million in gaming revenues to local schools and governments. The tribe's 1993 compact requires 2 percent of its net profits from electronic gaming at...

Column: Vote on California compacts wrong (11/20)

"It was predictable months ago that the Democratic Party in California would find itself stuck in between two of its major constituencies. And it has. So what's the so-called working man's party to do...

Suit filed to stop Seminole Tribe's compact (11/19)

House Speaker Marco Rubio, a Republican, filed a lawsuit today to invalidate the Seminole Tribe's Class III gaming compact. Rubio claims Gov. Charlie Crist (R) exceeded his authority by signing a 25-year agreement with...

California compacts set for February 2008 vote (11/19)

Four Class III gaming compacts will be on the February 2008 ballot, Cailfornia's Secretary of State said on Friday. The Pechanga Band of Luise�o Indians, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band...

Editorial: The right decision on Seminole compact (11/16)

"Somewhat lost in all the sharp criticism of the gambling agreement that Gov. Charlie Crist signed with the Seminole tribe on Wednesday is this consideration: It was going to happen with or without the state's...

Seminole Tribe signs Class III compact in Florida (11/15)

The Seminole Tribe and Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) signed a Class III gaming compact on Wednesday. Under the 25-year deal, the tribe has the right to offer slot machines and banked card games,...

Tribes lose lawsuits over compact referendum (11/15)

Two California tribes plan to appeal after losing lawsuits that challenged a state referendum on their Class III gaming compacts. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians sued to...

Seminole Gaming Compact Signed (11/14)

A Class III Gaming Compact between the Seminole Tribe and the state of Florida was signed today. It runs for 25 years and requires the tribe to share revenues from Class III games -- slot...

Florida governor to announce Seminole compact (11/14)

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) is expected to announce a Class III gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe. The compact would allow the tribe to operate slot machines and baccarat . In exchange, the state...

Editorial: Clock ticking on deal with Seminole Tribe (11/13)

"Casinos traditionally have no clocks inside so the normal rhythms of time and deadlines won't divert gamblers' attention from the important business of losing their money. Similarly, Florida has been acting as if there were...

Florida threatens suit over Class III procedures (11/08)

Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum said he will sue the Interior Department if it issues Class III procedures for the Seminole Tribe. McCollum cited a 5th Circuit Court of Appeals decision that invalidated the...

Editorial: Reach agreement with Seminole Tribe (11/08)

"A good poker player can sense an opponent's bluff, and Gov. Charlie Crist would be wise not to ask the U.S. Interior Department next Thursday to show its cards. A year has passed since...

Seminole Tribe and Florida hope to reach deal (11/07)

The Seminole Tribe and the state of Florida are confident they can reach a compact for Class III gaming by November 15. The tribe and the state have been negotiating for several months. A draft...

Florida given another deadline on Seminole compact (11/06)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs told Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) on Monday to reach an agreement with the Seminole Tribe for Class III gaming by November 15. If the state can't come to...

Agua Caliente Band sues over compact referendum (11/05)

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has sued California's Secretary of State over a pending referendum on four tribal gaming compacts. The tribe wants to block the state from certifying the referendum, which is...

Editorial: Slow down Indian gaming in California (11/02)

"Let's face it: California has a gambling problem. Gaming in our state has grown too quickly, with too little accounting of the impacts. Yet, we're ready to embark on what critics have dubbed "the biggest...

State claims Ho-Chunk Nation owes $72M for compact (11/02)

The state of Wisconsin claims the Ho-Chunk Nation owes $72 million under a disputed Class III gaming compact. The state and the tribe signed a compact that authorized more Class III games in exchange for...

Poll finds support for California gaming compacts (10/31)

A majority of California voters support four gaming compacts that are the subject of an upcoming ballot initiative. According to The Field Institute, 52 percent of voters back the agreements. Only 35 percent said...

Appeals court opens Choctaw Nation to casino suit (10/26)

The Oklahoma Court of Civil Appeals on Thursday said the Choctaw Nation waived sovereign immunity under its gaming compact with the state. Danny Dye says he was injured in an accident at the Choctaw Casino...

Florida Republicans took gaming money (10/12)

Florida Republicans who have opposed the Seminole Tribe's Class III gaming compact have taken money from gaming interests, The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports. Records show Florida Republicans took $844,000 from gaming interests between July...

Tribes challenge petitions against their compacts (10/11)

Two tribes have sued California's Secretary of State to halt a ballot referendum against their gaming compacts. The Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Pechanga Band of Luise�o Indians say the petitions for the...

Racetracks want same deal as Seminole Tribe (10/10)

After seeing disappointing returns, racetracks in south Florida now want to be treated the same as the Seminole Tribe. The tracks asked for voters to approve slot machines in November 2004. They did not include...

California compact opponents turn in signatures (10/10)

Opponents of four gaming compacts in California have turned in signatures on a petition to force a vote on the agreements. A coalition of unions, racetracks and tribes organized the campaign. They say the compacts...

BIA extends deadline for Seminole compact (10/09)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has extended the deadline for the Seminole Tribe and the state of Florida to reach a Class III gaming compact. The BIA has been pushing the state to finalize a...

Seminole Tribe offers to phase in slot machines (10/03)

The Seminole Tribe would phase in slot machines under the latest draft of a proposed Class III gaming compact with the state of Florida. The tribe would convert 75 percent of its Class II machines...

Florida lawmakers debate Class III gaming (10/02)

The Florida Senate's Regulated Industries Committee is holding a hearing today to discuss Class III gaming compact issues. Gov. Charlie Crist (R) is currently negotiating a compact with the Seminole Tribe. The deal will allow...

Seminole Tribe asked DOI to approve slot machines (10/01)

During a September 11 meeting with the Interior Department, the Seminole Tribe of Florida asked for approval to offer slot machines without a compact, The South Florida Sun-Sentinel reports. Tribal officials went to Washington, D.C.,...

Tribes and tracks get together to oppose tribes (09/27)

Two California tribes have joined racetracks in a campaign to overturn four new gaming compacts. The Pala Band of Mission Indians and the United Auburn Indian Community were among the first tribes to sign compacts...

Florida governor faces fight on Seminole compact (09/25)

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) might go ahead an authorize a full range of Class III games for the Seminole Tribe over the objections of lawmakers. Crist has been negotiating a compact with the tribe...

Arizona tribes report nearly $2B in revenue (09/25)

Arizona's gaming tribes took in nearly $2 billion in revenue in the last fiscal year, the state Department of Gaming reported on Monday. The 15 tribes with casinos generated $1.94 billion in the year...

Seminole Tribe still has 'Plan B' for Class III (09/24)

The Seminole Tribe is still negotiating a Class III compact with the state of Florida but if talks fail, there is always "Plan B." That's the tribe's lawsuit against the federal government. It seeks...

Tribes review options for off-reservation casinos (09/19)

Two tribes who want to build off-reservation casinos in Barstow, California, are reviewing their options to keep the project alive. The Big Lagoon Rancheria and the Los Coyotes Band of Mission Indians signed compacts to...

Off-reservation casino compacts expire (09/18)

Compacts for two off-reservation casinos in Barstow, California, expired on Monday. The Big Lagoon Rancheria and Los Coyotes Band of Mission Indians signed the compacts with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) two years ago this month....

Letter: Compact with Seminole Tribe a no-brainer (09/14)

"I am picking myself up off the floor, because I was floored by the stupidity of the people who state they are against allowing the Seminole Tribe to have Las Vegas-style slot machines and a...

Off-reservation gaming compacts fail to pass (09/13)

California lawmakers ended their 2007 legislative session without approving compacts for two off-reservation casinos. The Big Lagoon Rancheria and Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians wanted to open side-by-side casinos in Barstow. But...

Progress reported for Seminole Tribe's compact (09/12)

The Seminole Tribe and the state of Florida are closing in on a Class III gaming compact. The tribe met with the Bureau of Indian Affairs in Washington, D.C., yesterday. State officials participated by phone....

Lawsuit claims California tribes owe $330M to state (09/12)

A California appeals court has revived a lawsuit that claims tribes with casinos owe more than $330 million to the state. Under compacts signed in 1999, 28 tribes pay a percentage of their "net win"...

California tribes pour $11M into compact fight (09/11)

Four California tribes have poured $11 million into the fight to keep their gaming compacts alive. The Legislature approved compacts for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the...

Florida lawmakers warn governor on compact (09/11)

Key Republican lawmakers in Florida warned Gov. Charlie Crist (R) not to negotiate a Class III compact with the Seminole Tribe that goes beyond slot machines. House Speaker Marco Rubio and other top lawmakers said...

Florida governor warned on Seminole compact (09/07)

The Seminole Tribe can't operate table games like blackjack and craps, state attorney general Bill McCollum said in an opinion on Thursday. McCollum said the tribe can't negotiate a compact for those games because they...

San Manuel Band signs side agreement for compact (09/07)

The San Manuel Band of Mission Indians signed a side agreement with California in order to gain legislative approval of its gaming compact. The tribe had been holding out after Democrats scuttled the compact. But...

Seminole Tribe eyes table games in Florida (09/04)

As negotiations for a Class III compact continue, the Seminole Tribe hopes it will be able to offer table games. Table games don't bring in as much money as slot machines but they are popular...

Big fight looms on California gaming referendum (08/28)

The fight over four new gaming compacts could get even uglier, The Los Angeles Times reports. A union and a racetrack owner are gathering signatures for a petition to put the compacts to a public...

Two California tribes fight new gaming compacts (08/27)

Two California tribes are contributing $1 million to help defeat four new gaming compacts. The Pala Band of Mission Indians and the United Auburn Indian Community say the new deals will hurt tribes with smaller...

Seminole Tribe's compact faces more scrutiny (08/24)

The Seminole Tribe hasn't finished negotiating a Class III compact with Gov. Charlie Crist (R) but already there are questions about the deal. The tribe has the right to offer slot machines. But a proposal...

California tribes oppose compact referendum (08/23)

California tribes are overwhelmingly opposed to a referendum that seeks to overturn four new gaming compacts. The California Nations Indian Gaming Association, the largest inter-tribal organization in the state, and the Tribal Alliance of Sovereign...

Editorial: Limit Seminole Tribe to slot machines (08/22)

"Citing federal law, the Seminoles argue that if Florida allows Las Vegas-style games anywhere, the tribe has the right to offer the so-called "Class III" games at its casinos on sovereign land. Until now, the...

Florida given extension on Seminole compact (08/22)

The state of Florida has until September 11 to report progress on compact negotiations with the Seminole Tribe. The state had until Tuesday to come to an agreement. But the Interior Department extended the...

Texas cheers ruling against Kickapoo gaming (08/21)

Officials in Texas praised a federal court ruling that blocks the Kickapoo Tribe from Class III gaming without a state compact. The state has refused to negotiate a compact. The Interior Department said it would...

Florida continues negotiations with Seminole Tribe (08/21)

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) continues to negotiate a Class III gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe. Crist was given a 60-day deadline on June 22 to reach a deal. But the Bureau of...

Florida close to compact with Seminole Tribe (08/20)

With a federally-imposed deadline fast approaching, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) and the Seminole Tribe are near an agreement on a Class III gaming compact. The two sides hope to reach an agreement by this...

Deadline nears for Class III compact in Florida (08/17)

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) has until next Tuesday to negotiate a Class III compact with the Seminole Tribe. Crist is reportedly offering the table games and slot machines in exchange for a share of...

Rincon Band compares state's demand to 'tax' (08/14)

The Rincon Band of Luiseno Mission Indians and the state of California argued in court on Monday over negotiations for a new gaming compact. The tribe wants to add more slot machines to its casino....

City to seek more money from Pechanga Band (08/13)

The city of Temecula already gets $2.7 million from a state gaming fund every year but stands to gain more now that the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians has negotiated a new compact. The compact...

Rincon Band files suit over compact negotiations (08/13)

The Rincon Band of Luiseno Mission Indians is accusing California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) of negotiating in bad faith. The tribe wants to add more slot machines at its casino. But the state is demanding...

Two tribes join fight against California compacts (08/10)

The United Auburn Indian Community and the Pala Band of Mission Indians are joining an effort to halt new gaming compacts for four California tribes. The two tribes each plan to donate $500,000 to a...

Michigan House approves Gun Lake Band compact (08/09)

The Michigan House voted 63-41 on Wednesday to approve a Class III gaming compact with the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, also known as the Gun Lake Tribe. The compact calls for the tribe to...

Court bars suit under California gaming compact (08/07)

A California appeals court has dismissed a lawsuit against the Barona Band of Mission Indians. The tribe's Class III gaming compact contains a limited waiver of immunity. Casino patrons may pursue negligence claims to the...

Florida governor makes offer to Seminole Tribe (08/07)

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) has offered the Seminole Tribe a Class III gaming compact in exchange for a share of the revenues. The Miami Herald said the deal allows the tribe to operate slot...

Opinion: Gaming won't solve Florida's problems (08/06)

"The U.S. Interior Department has told Gov. Charlie Crist's office the state has until mid-August to reach a compact with the Florida Seminole Tribe regarding expanded gambling at their six casinos. Tribes that sign compacts...

Arizona tribes contribute more gaming revenues (07/31)

The Arizona Department of Gaming released the latest tribal gaming revenue figures on Monday. Gaming tribes shared $28.1 million with the state for the quarter ending June 30. That puts the total for the...

Groups seek vote on California gaming compacts (07/30)

A coalition led by labor unions and racetracks is seeking to put four new gaming compacts before California voters. The UNITE HERE union and the racetracks need to gather 443,971 valid signatures of registered voters...

Gun Lake Tribe pushes for approval of compact (07/25)

A Michigan House committee approved a bill to ratify a Class III gaming compact for the Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, also known as the Gun Lake Band. Chairman D.K. Sprague said his tribe was...

New California compacts face challenge at the polls (07/23)

A diverse group of interests -- including labor unions, racetracks and some tribes - is considering a challenge to five new gaming compacts. The state Legislature approved the compacts in June. The deals allow...

Bill backs compact for Gun Lake Band casino (07/20)

The Michigan House is considering a bill to ratify a Class III gaming compact with the Match-e-be-nash-she-wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, also known as the Gun Lake Band. The tribe signed the compact with Gov....

Judge orders Indian land determination on casino (07/18)

Citing an administrative record "lacking in substance," a federal judge in Oklahoma today ordered the Interior Department and the National Indian Gaming Commission to determine whether land owned by the Chickasaw Nation qualifies for gaming....

Schwarzenegger signs five compact bills into law (07/11)

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed five gaming compact bills into law on Monday, starting the process for review by the Interior Department. The bills ratify compacts for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuila...

Ho-Chunk Nation fails to submit compact payment (07/05)

The state of Wisconsin says the Ho-Chunk Nation owes more than $70 million in compact payments. The tribe signed a compact to share Class III revenues. But the tribe says a state Supreme Court decision...

Forest County Potawatomi Tribe shares $29.4M (07/03)

The Forest County Potawatomi Tribe of Wisconsin contributed $29.4 million in gaming revenues as part of its Class III compact with the state. The tribe operates an off-reservation casino in downtown Milwaukee. The facility has...

Florida governor promises Seminole Tribe compact (06/29)

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) will most definitely enter into a compact with the Seminole Tribe, the chief negotiator for the state said. Crist was given 60 days to reach an agreement. Interior Secretary...

Florida governor given 60 days to negotiate compact (06/28)

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) has 60 days to negotiate a Class III compact with the Seminole Tribe, Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne said in a letter. If an agreement isn't reached, the Interior Department will...

Washington tribes win approval for new compacts (06/06)

Washington tribes can add more electronic gaming machines to their casinos under new compacts that were approved by the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The 27 tribes can own up to 975 slot machines, an increase...

Poll finds opposition to California compacts (06/06)

A slight majority of residents in southern California oppose new gaming compacts that would allow five tribes to expand their casinos, The Riverside Press-Enterprise reports. When asked whether the number of slot machines should...

Mashpee Tribe charting new ground on gaming (06/06)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe wants to open a casino in Massachusetts but there are still questions on how that will happen. The tribe wants to negotiate a Class III gaming compact with Gov. Deval Patrick...

Michigan court upholds tribal gaming compacts (05/31)

The Michigan Supreme Court on Wednesday affirmed two tribal gaming compacts that were challenged by an anti-casino group. The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians signed compacts...

Opinion: Major flaws with California compacts (05/25)

"This report demonstrates why the compacts negotiated with five tribes by Governor Schwarzenegger in 2006 should be rejected by the Legislature. Although increased state revenue sharing is the principal argument in favor of the...

Ask Florida Governor: Why negotiate with tribe? (05/25)

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) explains why he wants to negotiate a Class III gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe. "[I]t's only smart for us to negotiate with the [Seminole] Tribe. Two governmental entities have...

NIGC chairman cites need for casino standards (05/15)

National Indian Gaming Commission Chairman Phil Hogen testified on the need for minimum internal control standards (MICS) to ensure adequate oversight of tribal gaming operations. Hogen appeared at a California Assembly hearing on Monday. He...

Agua Caliente Chair: Gaming regulation extensive (05/14)

"There has been much written regarding the five tribal gaming compact amendments currently being considered for ratification by the California Assembly. I am chairman of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. While our Tribal...

Rose: The fight over gaming compacts in California (05/14)

"The California State Legislature is debating whether to allow a few tribes to greatly expand the number of slot machines in their casinos in return for sharing up to 25 percent of the revenue...

Pechanga Band spends big for compact campaign (05/11)

The Pechanga Band of Luise�o Indians of California has spent more than $90,000 to lobby California lawmakers to approve new gaming compacts. The tribe spent about $19,000 on concert tickets, basketball tickets, hotel rooms...

Poarch Creeks shooting for Class III gaming (05/10)

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians in Alabama won't give up efforts to operate Class III games. The tribe has tried to negotiate a Class III compact with the state. But Gov. Bob Riley (R)...

Schwarzenegger appears in Morongo gaming ads (05/07)

When he ran for governor of California back in 2003, Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) accused gaming tribes of not paying their "fair share" to the state. He later accused tribes of "ripping" off the state...

Editorial: New gaming deals horrible for California (05/07)

"Perhaps you've seen the new 60-second TV spots: a bald eagle soars, a narrator talks about the jobs and opportunity that casinos have brought to California and the additional benefits that new agreements reached with...

Regulation at issue for new California compacts (05/03)

Regulation of tribal casinos is one of the issues at stake as California lawmakers debate six new gaming compacts. The agreements already passed the state Senate. But Assembly leaders have concerns over regulation and...

Arizona tribes share $24.6M with state in first quarter (05/02)

Arizona's 15 gaming tribes contributed $24.6 million to the state for the first quarter of 2007. The amount was a 9.5 percent increase over the same quarter in 2006. Revenue has grown every quarter since...

California tribe ups ante in compact fight (04/27)

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians of California is reportedly threatening to defeat an upcoming referendum if state lawmakers don't ratify six new tribal gaming compacts. The deals were approved by the Senate. But they...

Morongo Band willing to spend $20M on compact blitz (04/26)

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians is prepared to spend up to $20 million on a public relations blitz to support new gaming compacts. The tribe launched a seven-figure television ad campaign earlier this week....

California tribes face battle over gaming compacts (04/20)

SIx California tribes easily won approval for their gaming compacts in the state Senate on Thursday but face a tough fight in the Assembly. The compacts for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians,...

California compacts expected to win Senate vote (04/19)

Six California tribes are expected to win approval for their gaming compacts in the state Senate today. The deals would allow five tribes -- the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of...

Senate vote set on California gaming compacts (04/17)

The California Senate will vote Thursday on gaming compacts for six tribes. The compacts would allow five tribes -- the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Pechanga Band...

California tribes await vote on new compacts (04/16)

Six California tribes are expected to face a tough audience when their compacts go before the state Assembly. The state Senate held hearings last week on the agreements. With Democrats as sponsors the compact...

Oklahoma tribes contribute less than expected (04/16)

When the tribal-state gaming compact was approved in 2004, state officials predicted tribes would share $70 million a year in Class III revenues. The actual amount has been far less. In the three years,...

California compact backers got tribal donations (04/13)

California Democrats who are sponsoring gaming compact bills have received an influx of tribal campaign contributions, the Associated Press reports. During last year's election, the tribes with new compacts donated $540,000 to help two Democrats....

Seminole Tribe to begin compact negotiations (04/13)

The Seminole Tribe of Florida will begin negotiations for a Class III gaming compact with Gov. Charlie Crist (R). The tribe has been seeking a compact for years. Crist, who came into office in January,...

Tribes share more than $4M in gaming funds (04/13)

Three California tribes are sharing more than $4 million in gaming revenues with local communities. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians of California is holding its annual donation event today. The tribe will distribute...

Two more California tribes press for compacts (04/12)

Two more California tribes went before lawmakers to seek approval of their gaming compacts. The Pechanga Band of Luise�o Indians and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians testified yesterday. They followed the Agua...

Florida governor talks gaming with Kempthorne (04/11)

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) discussed gaming issues with Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. Crist talked about the Seminole Tribe's proposal to operate slot machines, which have been legalized in the...

California tribes begin push for compact approval (04/11)

Three California tribes went before lawmakers on Tuesday to seek approval of their new gaming compacts. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and the Yurok Tribe signed...

Three California tribes go for compact hearing (04/10)

The California Senate Governmental Organization is holding a hearing today on gaming compacts for three tribes. The deals would allow the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and Morongo Band of Mission Indians to operate...

Florida governor wants to deal with Seminole Tribe (04/09)

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) says he wants to negotiate a gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe. Talks are set to begin this month. Crist said he hopes for a deal that will be...

California tribes push for approval of compacts (04/09)

Five California tribes are headed to the Legislature this week to seek approval of their new gaming compacts. The deals would allow the already successful tribes to add as many as 22,000 new slot...

Louisiana governor won't negotiate with Jena Band (04/06)

Louisiana Gov. Kathleen Blanco (D) reiterated her opposition to a gaming compact for the Jena Band of Choctaw Indians. The tribe has sought to negotiate an agreement with Blanco but she has repeatedly refused. She...

California tribes prepare to defend compacts (04/05)

SIx California tribes will go before state lawmakers next week to seek ratification of their gaming compacts. The tribes include five of the most successful in the state. The compacts would allow them to operate...

BIA approves Spokane Tribe's new gaming compact (04/04)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has approved the Spokane Tribe's new gaming compact with the state of Washington. The agreement allows the tribe to offer up to 1,500 slot-style machines for the next three years...

Not all tribal compacts created equal in California (04/02)

Some California lawmakers are raising questions about provisions in new gaming compacts for eight California tribes. Assembly Speaker Fabian N��ez and Assemblyman Alberto Torrico, both Democrats, are concerned that five wealthy tribes with successful casinos...

California tribes renew push for gaming compacts (03/28)

Six California tribes are renewing their push to have their gaming compacts ratified by the state Legislature. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Pechanga Band of Luise�o...

Pechanga Band seeks more slots, second casino (03/27)

After running into problems last year, the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians enlisted a Democratic lawmaker to sponsor the tribe's gaming compact bill in the California Senate. Under the compact, the tribe would be able...

Editorial: Negotiate deal with South Dakota tribes (03/26)

"Taken at face value, Gov. Mike Rounds' argument makes some sense. He says the state Constitution calls for limited gaming, so by golly, he's going to do all he can to limit gaming. Except, apparently,...

Oneida Nation leader responds to Interior threat (03/22)

Oneida Nation Representative Ray Halbritter criticized efforts to invalidate the tribe's gaming compact with the state of New York. Halbritter said leaders don't go back on their promises. He said people who are trying to...

Oneida Nation faces action for 1993 compact (03/21)

What happens if the Interior Department approves a gaming compact that is subsequently struck down in the state courts? No one knows but the Oneida Nation might find out. The department, for the first...

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe sues over compact (03/21)

The Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe has sued South Dakota Gov. Mike Rounds (R) over the failure to negotiate a new gaming compact. The tribe, along with others, wants a new deal to increase the number...

Kempthorne threatens Oneida Nation over compact (03/20)

Interior Secretary Dirk Kempthorne is threatening to take action against the Oneida Nation of New York unless it negotiates a new compact with the state. Kempthorne said the tribe and the state have until April...

Editorial: Improve Gun Lake Tribe's compact (03/19)

"A newly inked agreement between Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the Gun Lake band of Pottawatomi Indians could yield a jackpot for Michigan. But one unnecessary provision threatens to put the state out of the game....

Agua Caliente Chair: Gaming builds better future (03/16)

"Marc Cooper's tirade against tribal self-reliance misses the point that gaming produces billions of dollars a year in good salaries and benefits to employees, sales for local businesses, state taxes and direct aid to...

Rep. Rogers reintroduces gaming moratorium bill (03/16)

Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Michigan) introduced a bill on Thursday to bar approval of new gaming compacts. H.R.1555 would bar the Interior Department from approving any tribal-state compacts for two years. The bill was referred...

Opinion: New Mexico compact lax on regulation (03/15)

"Bugsy Siegel was the guy who turned Las Vegas, Nev., into the gambling mecca it is today. He did pretty much what he wanted in what was then pretty much trackless desert. Made a bunch...

Racetracks want limits on California tribes (03/14)

Horse racing interests are teaming with labor unions to seek changes to a new gaming compact in California. Five tribes signed compacts with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) last year. But Democrats, acting on behalf of...

New Mexico gaming compacts closer to approval (03/14)

The New Mexico Senate voted 27-14 on Tuesday to approve new gaming compacts with 10 tribes. The agreement allows tribes to operate until 2037 and imposes limits on non-Indian gaming facilities. In exchange, the tribes...

Opinion: Debate New Mexico gaming compacts (03/14)

Guy Clark is the executive director of the New Mexico Coalition Against Gambling. "Because of a federal court ruling and inadequate proposed state regulation, New Mexico could get locked into 38-year tribal casino compacts with...

Washington governor to sign new gaming compact (03/13)

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire (D) will sign a new gaming compact with the state's gaming tribes. The agreement allow the tribes to offer more electronic gaming machines, increase payouts and keep their facilities open...

Gun Lake Tribe signs gaming compact with governor (03/12)

The Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians, also known as the Gun Lake tribe, signed a Class III gaming compact with Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) on Friday. The tribe agrees to share up to 18...

Opinion: Does California need more tribal casinos? (03/12)

"The $7 billion that passes through California's Indian gaming facilities already surpasses the collective take of all the casinos on the Las Vegas Strip. Our state is home to more than 50 Nevada-style gambling resorts,...

Washington compacts get favorable hearing (03/09)

Washington tribes testified in favor of an expanded gaming compact before the state Gambling Commission on Thursday. Tribes want to be able to offer up to 975 electronic gaming machines. The current limit is 675....

New Mexico gaming compacts set for final approval (03/08)

New gaming compacts with 10 of 13 New Mexico tribes are up for final legislative approval. The compacts, which would expire in 2037, give the state a bigger share -- capped at 10.75 percent --...

Seminole Tribe pushes state to negotiate compact (03/08)

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is still waiting on new Gov. Charlie Crist (R) to begin negotiations for a Class III compact. The tribe has the right to operate slot machines after voters approved...

New Mexico tribes agree to shorter gaming compact (03/07)

New Mexico tribes have agreed to shorten the length of their proposed gaming compact by eight years. Gov. Bill Richardson (D) said the new deals will expire in 2037, instead of 2045 as originally proposed....

Editorial: Negotiate compact with Gun Lake Tribe (03/05)

"When it comes to a proposed casino in Allegan County, the old country song applies: You've got to know when to hold 'em. And know when to fold 'em. For Michigan, the time to fold...

Editorial: Stop gaming expansion in Washington (03/02)

"What's happening at the moment is within the tribal-casino sector of the state's gambling industry. The Gambling Commission and Gov. Chris Gregoire have approved a compact worked out with the Spokane Tribe that paves the...

Washington panel to consider more compacts (03/01)

The Washington Gambling Commission will hold a meeting on March 9 to consider new gaming compacts for 28 tribes in the state. The tribes asked for new compacts in order to expand their facilities. The...

More Washington tribes slated to sign compact (02/28)

The state of Washington is close to finalizing a new gaming compact with 27 tribes. The proposed deal would allow the tribes to add more Class III machines to their facilities. The cap, currently at...

Court opens tribal casinos to lawsuits in state court (02/27)

Tribal casinos can be sued in state court for personal injury lawsuits, the New Mexico Supreme Court ruled. The court said the tribal-state compact created concurrent state and tribal jurisdiction over personal injury actions. And...

California Democrats sponsor bills for compacts (02/23)

Top Democratic lawmakers in California will sponsor bills to ratify the gaming compacts for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians The tribes signed agreemeents with Gov. Arnold...

South Dakota tribes seek new gaming compacts (02/20)

South Dakota tribes want to negotiate new gaming compacts that will allow them to operate more slot machines. Currently, the eight tribes are each limited to 250 machines. Meanwhile, the non-Indian gaming industry has added...

Washington tribes working on new gaming compacts (02/19)

Washington's 27 tribes are working on a new gaming compact with Gov. Christine Gregoire (D). The deal would allow the tribes to install up to 8,100 additional machines at their casinos, bringing the total to...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe ready to go for gaming (02/15)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts is ready to make a push for gaming once it receives federal recognition. In advance of receiving the final decision later today, tribal leaders have met with the...

Editorial: Spokane compact finally approved (02/14)

"The state Gambling Commission endorsed a long-awaited casino compact with the Spokane Tribe of Indians on Friday and before the 6-3 vote was even taken, a mantra of 'expanded gambling' was reverberating across the state....

State panel approves Spokane Tribe's gaming compact (02/12)

The Washington State Gambling Commission voted 6-3 on Friday in favor of a gaming compact with the Spokane Tribe after the tribe made some concessions. The tribe won't offer no-limit betting for three years, secretary...

State panel to vote on Spokane Tribe's compact (02/09)

The Washington State Gambling Commission will vote today on a proposed gaming compact with the Spokane Tribe. The compact allows the tribe to operate up to 4,700 slot machines and up to five casinos. Only...

Florida lawmakers want approval over compacts (02/07)

The Florida Senate Regulated Industries Committee approved a bill on Tuesday to require legislative approval of tribal gaming compacts. The Seminole Tribe and the Miccosukee Tribe are in talks with Gov. Charlie Crist (R) to...

Navajo president vetoes two more gaming bills (02/06)

Navajo Nation President Joe Shirley Jr. vetoed two more gaming bills on Monday, saying they violate the tribe's compacts with New Mexico and Arizona. The Navajo Nation Council passed bills to create gaming enterprises at...

Column: Compact fight looms large in California (02/05)

"The rather odd and often prickly relationship between the state of California and the state's casino-owning Indian tribes, as it always does, is looming large as the Legislature cranks up anew. Money -- big money...

Jodi Rave: Compact dispute on Flathead Reservation (02/05)

"Chairman James Steele of the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes on Friday questioned a mass mailing by Gov. Brian Schweitzer about failed negotiations over the Class III gambling compact on the Flathead Reservation. The letter...

Arizona tribes have shared $250M with state (02/01)

Arizona's 15 gaming tribes have shared $251.4 million in revenues with the state over the past four years. The tribes have been sharing revenues since 2003, after state voters approved Proposition 202. The initiative expanded...

California tribes back with off-reservation casino bid (02/01)

Indianz.Com Casino StalkerTracking casino proposals across Indian Country. Two California tribes who want to build side-by-side casinos hundreds of miles from their reservations were back at the state capitol on Wednesday. The Los Coyotes Band...

Yurok Tribe still waiting on compact approval (01/30)

Facing rampant poverty and unemployment, the Yurok Tribe of California hopes two small gaming facilities with less than 100 slot machines will provide needed revenues on the reservation. But the tribe's compact has languished...

Washington governor supports Spokane compact (01/30)

Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire (D) said she will probably sign a proposed gaming compact with the Spokane Tribe. Gregoire hasn't reviewed the compact in detail but she said she supports the general framework. The deal...

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