Indianz.Com Indian Gaming Business Deals

ARCHIVE: 2015 | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Wyandotte Nation reaches Class III compact for Kansas casino (12/17)

The Wyandotte Nation has reached a Class III compact for its gaming facility in Kansas. The tribe operates Class II games at the 7th Street Casino in downtown Kansas City. The deal allows for the...

New York governor seeks arbitration for Seneca Nation compact (12/16)

Outgoing New York Gov. David Paterson (D) says talks with the Seneca Nation have hit an impasse. Under its Class III gaming compact, the tribe agreed to share 25 percent of slot machine revenues with...

Supreme Court asks DOJ for views in Rincon Band compact case (12/14)

The U.S. Supreme Court is asking the Department of Justice to submit a brief in a gaming compact case. The Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians sued Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) for demanding a bigger share...

Editorial: Market dictates success of Mississippi Choctaw casino (12/13)

"The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians is set to open its new Bok Homa casino on Dec. 20 near Sandersville in Jones County. The controversial casino - dubbed by vocal opponent Gov. Haley Barbour as...

Seneca Nation continues discussions in Class III compact dispute (12/09)

The Seneca Nation continues to discuss its Class III gaming compact dispute with officials in New York. Under the compact, the tribe agreed to share 25 percent of slot machine revenues with the state. But...

Revenues shared by Saginaw Chippewa Tribe fell by 8.25 percent (12/01)

The recession appears to have had an effect on the The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan, based on the amount of gaming revenues shared with local communities. This year, the tribe shared nearly $6.2 million....

Turtle Talk: Supreme Court takes up petition in compact dispute (11/30)

"On December 10, 2010, the Supreme Court likely will decide whether to review the Ninth Circuit�s decision that the State of California failed to negotiate in good faith with the Rincon Band. This particular petition...

Saginaw Chippewa Tribe shares nearly $680K in casino revenue (11/30)

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan shared $677,959 in gaming revenues with local governments and public schools. As part of its Class III gaming compact, the tribe shares two percent of revenues twice a year....

NCPR: St. Regis Mohawk Tribe at 'impasse' on compact payouts (11/18)

"The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe says it�s �at an impasse� in talks with New York over sharing the revenue from the Akwesasne Mohawk Casino near Massena. The tribe says it�s paid more than $50 million...

Stockbridge Munsee Band reaches deal for casino in New York (11/17)

The Stockbridge Munsee Band of Mohican Indians of Wisconsin has reached a deal to open a casino in New York. The tribe is expected to sign a Class III gaming compact with Gov. David Paterson...

Native Sun News: Trial set in Flandreau Santee Sioux gaming suit (11/11)

The following story was written and reported by Ernestine Chasing Hawk . All content � Native Sun News. SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA �� Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribal Chairman Tony Reider said his tribe is pleased...

Northern New Mexico tribes see ups and downs in casino takings (11/10)

Tribes in northern New Mexico saw mixed results in their gaming revenues for the last quarter. Of the four tribes in the Santa Fe/Espa�ola area, two saw declines in revenues. Pojoaque Pueblo reported a 6...

Little Traverse Bay Bands accuses Bay Mills of violating compact (11/10)

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians says a new casino opened by the Bay Mills Indian Community violates the Class III gaming compact. Little Traverse Chairman Ken Harrington said Bay Mills hasn't followed...

Tohono O'odham Nation set to offer maximum machines at casino (11/09)

The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona will likely offer the maximum number of slot machines at its proposed off-reservation casino, the tribe's gaming attorney said. Under the Class III compact, tribes can install up to...

Little Traverse Bay Bands ends payment to state in casino dispute (11/09)

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians won't be sharing any money with the state as long as another tribe's off-reservation casino remains open. Under its Class III gaming compact, the tribe makes a...

Ray Cook: St. Regis Mohawk Tribe is target of New York shakedown (11/04)

"The press reported that the Mohawk tribe had ceased sending New York state their 22 percent share of our gaming (slot machine) revenue because the state had knowingly and willingly failed to uphold the "exclusivity...

Michigan tribes push for closure of Bay Mills off-reservation casino (11/04)

The Bay Mills Indian Community opened an off-reservation casino in Vanderbilt, Michigan, on Wednesday but other tribes aren't happy about it. In a joint statement, the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians, the...

St. Regis Mohawk Tribe seeks return of revenue shared with state (11/03)

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe is headed to arbitration with the state of New York over a Class III gaming compact issue. The tribe claims the state has violated the exclusivity provision of the compact...

Judge won't reveal Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe casino revenue (11/02)

A federal magistrate won't let the state of South Dakota know how much the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe makes at its casino. The state sought the information as part of a lawsuit that was filed...

Mohawk community in New York reportedly offers slot machines (10/29)

A Mohawk community that is not affiliated with the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe is reportedly offering slot machines in New York. The Watertown Daily Times called the bingo hall at the Ganienkeh Territory and an...

Mescalero Apache Nation opens gaming facility inside ski lodge (10/28)

The Mescalero Apache Nation of New Mexico is opening a gaming facility at its ski resort. The lodge at Ski Apache will offer slot machines. "So, you can come up and ski and play some...

New York governor accuses another tribe of breaking compact (10/27)

New York Gov. David Paterson (D) says the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe is violating the Class III gaming compact. The compact requires the tribe to share a portion of revenues with the state. The tribe...

Communities in California to get $30M in tribal casino revenues (10/25)

Communities in California are looking forward to receiving their share of $30 million in tribal gaming revenues. The money comes from the Indian Gaming Special Distribution Fund. Tribes that signed Class III compacts in 1999...

Schwarzenegger signs bill to send gaming funds to communities (10/22)

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed a bill to distribute $30 million in gaming revenues to local communities. Schwarzenegger had been holding back the funds for the current year. He also refused to distribute the...

City weighs spending more for lawsuit against Fond du Lac Band (10/22)

The city council in Fond du Lac, Minnesota, will again consider a request to spend more money on a lawsuit against the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians. The city has spent...

Pechanga Band labels lawsuit over gaming deal a 'political ploy' (10/21)

Despite claims by local officials, the Pechanga Band of Luise�o Indians has accepted service of a lawsuit that was filed in federal court in California. Officials in Temecula claimed a process server wasn't allowed on...

Schwarzenegger won't discuss Graton Rancheria compact talks (10/20)

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) won't say whether his administration is negotiating a Class III gaming compact with the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. "We keep negotiations private as part of ensuring the integrity of...

St. Regis Mohawk Tribe accuses state of violating gaming pact (10/20)

The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe has stopped sharing gaming revenues with the state of New York. Tribal leaders said the state has violated the exclusivity provisions of the Class III gaming compact. "We cannot continue...

New York governor says clock ticking in Seneca gaming battle (10/19)

New York Gov. David Paterson (D) says the Seneca Nation has until October 26 to resolve differences over the Class III gaming compact. The tribe agreed to share 25 percent of slot machine revenue with...

Blog: Tea Party candidate vows to close Oneida Nation casino (10/19)

"In another example of how the Republican Party has taken over the Tea Party movement and mutilated it to stand for non-conservative values, the GOP candidate for Governor of New York, Carl Paladino, has threatened,...

Pechanga Band won't allow process server on the reservation (10/18)

The Pechanga Band of Luise�o Indians won't allow a process server onto the reservation, officials in the city of Temecula, California, said. The city filed a lawsuit against the tribe over a gaming agreement. But...

Lawmakers back Seneca Nation in feud over gaming revenues (10/18)

Lawmakers in New York are introducing a bill that would change how the Seneca Nation shares gaming revenues with the state. The Class III gaming compact requires the tribe to share 25 percent of slot...

Seneca Nation sees more support for sharing gaming revenues (10/15)

The Seneca Nation of New York is seeing more support for its proposal to share gaming revenues with local communities. The Class III gaming compact requires the tribe to share 25 percent of slot machine...

Republican candidate threatens to shut Oneida Nation's casino (10/14)

Carl Paladino, the Republican candidate for governor of New York, says he will shut down the Oneida Nation casino if the tribe doesn't agree to share revenues with the state. The tribe signed a Class...

New York governor rejects Seneca Nation on gaming revenues (10/13)

New York Gov. David Paterson (D) said the Seneca Nation made an "unacceptable" offer to share gaming revenues directly with local communities. Paterson said the tribe's Class III gaming compact requires 25 percent of slot...

Fond du Lac Band weighing its options in gaming revenue case (10/13)

The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians is weighing its options after losing a lawsuit over a gaming agreement with the city of Duluth, Minnesota. In 1994, the tribe agreed to share...

Communities will see decline in Pokagon Band casino revenue (10/12)

Local communities will see fewer dollars from the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians after the tribe reported a decline in slot machine revenues for the first time in three years. Slot revenues at the Four...

Seneca Nation wants gaming revenues sent to communities (10/11)

The Seneca Nation of New York is proposing to send gaming revenues directly to local communities instead of the state government. The tribe agreed to share 25 percent of slot machine revenues with the state....

Editorial: Seneca Nation in another showdown with New York (10/11)

"New York State Governor David Paterson again finds himself in a battle with the Seneca Nation, a Native American group that enjoys special treaty rights and considers itself separate from the state. The latest issue...

Seneca Nation holds meetings over disputed compact payment (10/08)

The Seneca Nation is meeting with local leaders today to discuss its compact dispute with the state of New York. The tribe has withheld $214 million from the state in response to an expansion of...

Letter: Responding to article about Habematolel Pomo compact (10/07)

"Your story on the Department of the Interior's disapproval of the Upper Lake Rancheria's Class III gaming compact contains a couple of factual errors. Specifically the article states as follows: �The Interior secretary previously signed...

New York governor threatens to terminate Seneca gaming deal (10/07)

New York Gov. David Paterson (D) is threatening to terminate the Class III gaming compact with the Seneca Nation. Paterson claims the tribe violated the compact when it withheld revenue-sharing payments from the state....

City files lawsuit against Pechanga Band for casino agreement (10/06)

The city of Temecula, California, made good on its threat to sue the Pechanga Band of Luise�o Indians over a gaming agreement. The city is expecting $2 million a year from the tribe to address...

Pokagon Band sees drop in slot machine revenue for first time (10/04)

For the first time in three years, slot machine revenues have declined at the casino owned by the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians in Michigan. In the last fiscal year, the tribe took in $286,357,550...

Revenues at tribal casinos in Arizona fell 15 percent in past year (09/30)

Revenues at tribal casinos fell 15 percent in the last year, according to the Arizona Department of Gaming. Tribes took in nearly $1.7 billion in fiscal year 2009. That's down from nearly $2 billion in...

Kansas officials oppose Wyandotte Nation off-reservation casino (09/28)

Officials in Kansas are urging the Obama administration to reject an off-reservation casino for the Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma. Gov. Mark Parkinson (D) says approval of the casino in Sedgwick County will go against the...

Pokagon Band contributes over $1M in gaming revenues to city (09/22)

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians shared more than $1 million in gaming revenues with the city of New Buffalo. The city will use $1.3 million to improve a local park. Other funds went to...

Communities dispute shares of St. Regis Mohawk gaming funds (09/20)

Officials in Franklin County, New York, want a greater share of revenues from the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe. Under its Class III gaming compact, the tribe shares revenues with two counties. The counties then decide...

City making cuts in response to Seneca Nation compact dispute (09/20)

The city of Salamanca is out $3.7 million this year as a result of a compact dispute between the Seneca Nation and the state of New York. About half of the city's budget comes from...

Seneca Nation holding slot revenues from off-reservation casino (09/13)

The Seneca Nation hasn't shared revenues from its off-reservation casino with the city of Niagara Falls this year. The tribe shared about $19 million with the city last year. But this year's money is in...

Morongo Band cites more support for Internet poker in California (09/10)

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians says 40 tribes and non-Indian card clubs have joined the effort to legalize Internet poker in California. Last month, the Morongo Band said 21 tribes became a part of...

Seminole Tribe can't be sued for accident involving casino worker (09/09)

The Seminole Tribe of Florida can't be sued for a fatal accident involving an employee of one of its casinos, a state court ruled earlier this month. The tribe has not waived its sovereignty immunity...

Seminole Tribe continues to expand Hard Rock gaming enterprise (09/07)

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is expanding two of its Hard Rock gaming facilities. The tribe is adding restaurants, shops and more gaming space to the Seminole Casino Coconut Creek. The facility is more than...

Opinion: Board distributes $1.9M from Nottawaseppi Huron casino (09/06)

"As Calhoun County's representative on the Firekeepers Local Revenue Sharing Board (FLRSB) I am happy to announce that the FLRSB has completed its work relative to the 2010 distribution of the initial payment of $1.9...

Gaming compacts in California don't address child support issue (09/02)

Some tribes in California share gaming revenues with their members but the money can't be used to cover child support payments. Christina Brown was married to a member of the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians....

Seminole Tribe attracts patrons who want to smoke and gamble (09/01)

Gamblers who like to smoke are flocking to casinos owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Non-Indian facilities must comply with the state's ban on smoking in public places. But the law doesn't apply to...

Seneca Nation accuses state of violating Class III casino compact (08/31)

The Seneca Nation says the state of New York has violated its Class III gaming compact. The tribe says the state has allowed non-Indian gaming facilities. So the tribe won't make revenue-sharing payments any longer....

Compact for Little River Band off-reservation casino up in the air (08/30)

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians of Michigan is weighing its options after a compact for an off-reservation casino failed to come up for a vote last week. The tribe plans to build a...

Little River off-reservation casino deal fails to come up for a vote (08/26)

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians of Michigan will have to wait longer for a vote on its compact for an off-reservation casino. The Michigan House was prepared to reject a discharge petition for...

Newest tribal casinos in Michigan take in most on slot machines (08/25)

The Kalamazoo Gazette ranked 11 tribes in Michigan based on the average revenue per slot machine per month at their gaming facilities. The two newest tribal casinos in the state are generating the most money,...

Little River Band awaits vote for off-reservation casino compact (08/25)

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians is awaiting legislative action on its compact for an off-reservation casino. The compact authorizes the casino in Fruitport Township and requires the tribe to share revenues with the...

Forest County Potawatomi revenues fall more than five percent (08/24)

Revenues at the casino owned by the Forest County Potawatomi Tribe of Wisconsin fell by more than five percent in the last year, he Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports. The Potawatomi Bingo Casino saw a net...

Turtle Talk: Big news from BIA on revenue sharing and compacts (08/24)

"Here are my general personal observations, not on behalf of any clients or my firm: (1) The language regarding a general proportionality test to measure whether tribal revenue sharing payments roughly correspond to benefits conferred...

BIA rejects casino compact for Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake (08/23)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has rejected a Class III gaming compact for the Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake of California. The BIA said the agreement violated the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Specifically, the provisions...

Schwarzenegger opposes use of gaming money for communities (08/17)

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) is opposing the addition of $30 million to the state's budget to help communities near casinos. Tribes with Class III compacts that were signed in 1999 pay into the Indian...

Oklahoma tribes show 5000 percent increase in casino revenues (08/16)

Oklahoma's Indian gaming industry has increased 5,000 percent in the last six years, The Oklahoman reports. Gaming was limited to Class II just a few years ago. But then voters approved a Class III gaming...

City votes to sue Pechanga Band of gaming impact agreement (08/11)

The city council in Temecula, California, voted to sue the Pechanga Band of Luise�o Indians over a gaming agreement. The deal requires the tribe to pay $2 million a year to Temecula for five years,...

Report shows drop in revenues and profits at Wisconsin casinos (08/10)

The Legislative Audit Bureau released its biennial audit of the Division of Gaming that showed a drop in revenues and profits at Wisconsin's tribal casinos. Overall, tribal casinos took in about $1.3 billion each year...

Series: The history of tribal gaming and race tracks in New Mexico (08/09)

"In a ruling that opened the door for tribal gaming, the U.S. Supreme Court in 1997 held that if state law criminally prohibits a form of gambling, then tribes within that state may not engage...

Pechanga Band negotiates agreement to address casino impacts (08/05)

The Pechanga Band of Luise�o Indians in California continues to negotiate an agreement to address the impacts of its casino. The tribe already reached an agreement with the city of Temecula. An agreement with Riverside...

Mississippi governor defines meaning of 'casino' in 1992 compact (08/05)

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians signed a Class III gaming compact in 1992 and Gov. Haley Barbour (R) is offering a newcomers' interpretation of the deal. The compact doesn't dictate the type of gaming...

Arizona tribes see some hope as patrons return to gaming facilities (08/04)

The Arizona Department of Gaming reported a decline in tribal gaming revenues but it appears patrons are slowly returning to casinos. The state's share of tribal revenues fell by 3 percent in the last quarter....

Arizona's share of tribal gaming revenues falls for another quarter (08/03)

Tribal casino revenues fell by three percent in the last quarter, according to the latest report from the Arizona Department of Gaming. Tribes shared $22.8 million with the state, according to the report. "Like any...

Pokagon Band compact authorizes up to three casinos in Michigan (07/29)

The Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians can open up to three casinos under its Class III gaming compact with the state. The tribe opened the Four Winds Casino in August 2007. A new "satellite" facility...

Snoqualmie Tribe shares first round of gaming revenue payments (07/29)

The Snoqualmie Tribe of Washington has shared the first round of payments from the Snoqualmie Casino. The tribe opened the casino in November 2008. The first round of $350,000 comes from revenues generated between the...

Mohegan chairwoman to testify at hearing on Internet gaming bill (07/21)

The House Financial Services Committee holds a hearing this afternoon on H.R 2267, the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act. Federal law currently bars Internet wagering except if it is conducted under state...

Column: Mississippi Choctaw casino bid heads toward litigation (07/12)

"With opposition organizing and expanding in Jones County, the proposed expansion of Choctaw tribal gaming onto the Bogue Homa reservation near Sandersville by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians continues to draw political heat that...

Little River Band off-reservation casino goes for another hearing (07/08)

The off-reservation casino proposed by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians of Michigan is up for another hearing on Friday. The tribe negotiated amendments to its Class III gaming compact to authorize the casino....

Federal Register: BIA approves Seminole Tribe gaming compact (07/07)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has approved the Class III gaming compact between the Seminole Tribe and the state of Florida. The deal authorizes blackjack and card games at five tribal casinos. Slot machines are...

Little River Band blasts tribes for off-reservation casino battle (07/06)

The Michigan House Regulatory Reform Committee held a hearing on Friday to consider the off-reservation casino sought by the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians. The tribe wants to build a casino at a former...

Judge blocks Oklahoma courts from hearing tribal casino claims (07/01)

The Oklahoma state court system cannot hear or resolve claims at casinos owned by the Choctaw Nation, the Chickasaw Nation and the Eastern Shawnee Tribe, a federal judge ruled this week. In a series of...

Morongo Band spent $250K on lobbying for Internet poker plan (07/01)

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians spent $250,000 to lobby state lawmakers on a proposal to legalize Internet poker, Capitol Weekly reports. Last year, the Morongo Band and non-Indian card clubs proposed an exclusive contract...

California Internet gaming bill in doubt amid lots of opposition (06/30)

A bill to legalize Internet poker in California appears to be dead this year amid opposition from tribes and non-Indian card rooms. The Senate Governmental Organization Committee took up the bill at a hearing yesterday....

United Auburn Indian Community debuts new hotel for casino (06/29)

The United Auburn Indian Community of California debuted a new hotel, spa, pool and amphitheater at the Thunder Valley Casino Resort on Monday. The project completed a major expansion of the casino. The tribe hired...

Judge plans a trial in Flandreau Santee Sioux compact lawsuit (06/29)

It looks like the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe and the state of South Dakota will head to trial in a gaming compact lawsuit. The tribe wants to renegotiate its Class III compact to authorize more...

BIA official warns of rejection for off-reservation gaming pact (06/28)

It looks like the Bureau of Indian Affairs is sticking to a Bush-era policy regarding Class III gaming compacts for off-reservation casino sites. In 2005, the Bush administration said it would disapprove compacts that refer...

Mississippi governor promises legal action on Choctaw casino (06/23)

Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour (R) said he will pursue legal action to stop the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians from building a casino away from its main reservation. In a letter, Barbour said the casino...

Board questions requests for Nottawaseppi gaming revenues (06/22)

The board in charge of distributing gaming revenues from the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan is questioning some requests for the money. The FireKeepers Local Revenue Sharing Board has already approved $351,383...

Morongo Band joins tribal opposition to online poker measure (06/22)

The Tribal Alliance of Sovereign Indian Nations is opposing a bill to legalize Internet poker in California. The tribes say the bill introduced by Sen. Roderick Wright (D) is too broad. Even the Morongo Band...

Massachusetts gaming bill forces tribes to follow state laws (06/21)

A bill filed in the Massachusetts Senate [Summary | Full Text] contains a number of provisions that appear to be unfavorable to the two federally recognized tribes in the state. First, the bill does not...

State official questions Mississippi Choctaw casino compact (06/21)

State Auditor Stacey Pickering claims to be looking into the gaming compact signed by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians in 1992. The agreement was signed by the governor and approved by the Bureau...

Still no word from Obama over off-reservation casino policy (06/16)

The Obama administration has yet to announce its policy on off-reservation gaming, months after a senior Bureau of Indian Affairs official said a decision was going to be made "fairly soon." George Skibine, the acting...

New governor for South Dakota might bring shift on gaming (06/14)

South Dakota tribes might see a shift in gaming under a new governor. Republican candidate Dennis Daugaard said he will work with tribes if they want to renegotiate their Class III compacts. That's something the...

9th Circuit will not rehear gaming compact negotiation case (06/08)

The 9th Circuit Court of Appeals won't rehear a landmark gaming compact negotiation case in which California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) was found to have negotiated in bad faith. In April, the court said Schwarzenegger...

Massachusetts gaming bill authorizes just one tribal casino (06/04)

A gaming bill introduced in the Massachusetts Senate appears to allow only one tribal gaming facility and appears to define the terms of a Class III gaming compact. The bill authorizes three casinos, one of...

Editorial: Casino revenue won't rescue Connecticut budget (06/03)

"In the annals of legalized gambling in Connecticut another milestone has been reached. In their 18 years of operation, the slot machines at the Foxwoods Resort Casino have produced $3 billion in revenue for the...

Oklahoma tribes on track to share $120M in casino revenue (06/03)

Oklahoma tribes with Class III gaming compacts will share about $120 million a year with the state by the end of this fiscal year. That's about 14 percent higher than the amount they shared...

Internet poker bill would require tribes to get state contract (06/02)

Tribes that want to engage in Internet poker will have to compete for a state contract under a bill introduced by California Sen. Roderick Wright (D). The Internet Gambling Consumer Protection and Public-Private Partnership Act...

Massachusetts governor addresses Wampanoag casino bid (06/02)

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) continues to support the legalization of casinos in the state but says it might be a while before the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe gets into the game. Lawmakers have yet...

Internet poker bill in California doesn't address tribal rights (06/01)

California Sen. Roderick Wright (D) introduced a bill to legalize Internet poker but it apparently cuts tribes out of the game. The bill authorizes five-year contracts for up to three operators. Presumably, a tribe can...

Habematolel Pomo await BIA approval for gaming compact (06/01)

The Habematolel Pomo of Upper Lake await Bureau of Indian Affairs approval of its Class III gaming compact. The tribe reached the deal last year. It authorizes a casino with up to 750 slot machines...

Another hearing scheduled on Little River Band casino plan (05/31)

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians plans to spend $100 million to build an off-reservation casino in Michigan. The casino will feature 1,700 slot machines, 30 table games and a hotel with up to...

Little River Band defends off-reservation casino at hearing (05/27)

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians defended plans for an off-reservation casino amid criticism from other Michigan tribes. The Little River Band wants to open a casino at a former racetrack in Fruitport Township....

Board considers requests for Nottawaseppi casino revenue (05/25)

The board in charge of distributing gaming revenues from the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan met today. The FireKeepers Local Revenue Sharing Board approved $351,383 in requests from local governments. But it...

Few governments request Nottawaseppi gaming revenues (05/24)

Only six out of 24 eligible governments have requested a share of gaming revenues from the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan. The six governments requested a total of $513,861. That's only about...

Pequot leader clarifies comments about lower gambling age (05/14)

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut is not trying to lower the state's gambling age from 18 to 21, Chairman Rodney Butler said. Butler said comments he made about the lower age were his...

California lawmaker plans to introduce bill for Internet poker (05/13)

California Sen. Roderick Wright (D) plans to introduce a bill to legalize Internet poker within the next two weeks, Gambling Compliance reports. Wright said he expects tribes to challenge his bill. The tribal-state compact currently...

Communities ask for share of Nottawaseppi casino revenues (05/13)

Six local governments are seeking a share of gaming revenues from the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan. The six governments requested a total of $513,861 to cover costs associated with the FireKeepers...

Pequot Tribe seeks lower gambling age, longer alcohol sales (05/13)

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut wants to lower the gambling age from 21 to 18 and to extend alcohol sales at casinos. Chairman Rodney Butler wants to talk with the governor and lawmakers...

Mashantucket Tribe reports $3B shared under gaming pact (05/12)

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation will hold a ceremony today to mark a milestone in its relationship with the state of Connecticut. The tribe signed a Class III gaming compact in 1993. The agreement...

Rincon Chair: Schwarzenegger flouted Indian gaming law (05/07)

"The federal court finding that Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger illegally taxed the Rincon Band of Luise�o Indians doesn't mean that a governor will never get another cent from tribes. Or that tribes expect a free ride...

Seminole Tribe praises Gov. Crist for negotiating compact (05/06)

The Seminole Tribe of Florida held a celebration for Gov. Charlie Crist, the newly-independent politician who negotiated and signed the first Class III gaming compact in state history. The deal authorizes slot machines at seven...

Sunshine News: How the Seminole Tribe gamed state GOP (05/05)

"The Seminole casino compact approved by the 2010 Legislature could deliver up to $1.2 billion to the state's coffers over the next five years, but the back story on the deal makes that jackpot look...

Arizona tribes report 3.5 percent drop in gaming revenues (05/04)

Tribal gaming revenues fell 3.5 percent in the last quarter, Arizona Department of Gaming reported. Tribes shared $21.3 million with the state in the quarter that ended March 31, 2010. That's down from $22.1 million...

Court decision strikes at revenue-sharing in casino deals (04/30)

A ruling from the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals contained some harsh language for states trying to seek a share of tribal gaming revenues. The ruling said California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) negotiated in bad...

Ho-Chunk Nation steers casino funds to local community (04/29)

The Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin is making use of an amendment to its Class III gaming compact with the state. The tribe has always shared a portion of its revenues with the state. But a...

Florida governor signs Seminole casino compact into law (04/29)

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) signed into law the bill that ratifies a Class III gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe. The deal authorizes slot machines at seven tribal casinos and card games at three...

Editorial: California deserves a share of tribal revenues (04/26)

"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has presided over a huge expansion of tribal gaming, and tried to get a piece of the action on behalf of taxpayers. He fell short of his promise to extract a billion...

Editorial: California tribes can't get free ride on casinos (04/26)

"California voters have repeatedly supported Indian casinos, accepting ballot-box promises that gambling was needed to lift backcountry tribes from poverty. But as the operations flourished, another issue arose: How much should Sacramento receive from a...

Column: Watch out doing business with Seminole casino (04/26)

"As Florida politicians celebrate a long-term gambling deal with the Seminoles that will supposedly produce billions for the state, Fanit Panofsky has two words of advice for those doing business with the tribe: "Watch out."...

Republican nominees decided compact negotiation case ( (04/22)

Three Republican judicial nominees on the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals decided the Class III gaming compact negotiation case this week. Judge Milan Smith Jr., a George W. Bush nominee, wrote the majority opinion, which...

Schwarzenegger to ask for rehearing in compact lawsuit (04/21)

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) plans to ask the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals to rehear a gaming compact negotiation dispute. Schwarzenegger demanded additional revenues from the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians in response to...

Editorial: Debate improved Seminole Tribe's gaming deal (04/21)

"It took two years, two misfires and lots of rough-and-tumble give-and-take, but the process that finally yielded a gambling pact between the state and the Seminole Tribe of Florida was a healthy one. The state...

Rincon Band wins case on Class III compact negotiation (04/20)

California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) negotiated a Class III gaming compact with the Rincon Band of Luiseno Indians in bad faith, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled today. Schwarzenegger unfairly demanded a greater share...

Florida governor expected to sign Seminole casino deal (04/20)

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) expects to sign a Class III gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe after the agreement won approval in the House by a 74-39 vote. The deal authorizes slot machines at...

Pauma Band awaits final ruling in gaming compact case (04/19)

The Pauma Band of Luise�o Indians of California is waiting for a final ruling in its Class III compact lawsuit. The tribe and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) signed a compact in 2004. It allowed the...

Florida Senate approves gaming deal for Seminole Tribe (04/16)

The Florida Senate voted 28-9 on Thursday to approve a Class III gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe. The deal authorizes slot machines at seven tribal casinos and table games at three casinos. The tribe...

Column: Seminole gaming deal no longer about children (04/15)

"The biggest difference between two earlier gambling agreements between the Seminole tribe and Gov. Charlie Crist, and the latest compact poised for legislative approval in the next week? Hint: It's not about the kids anymore....

Bill introduced on Little River Band off-reservation casino (04/14)

A bill to approve an off-reservation casino for the Little River Band of Ottawa Indians is expected to move quickly through the Michigan Legislature. The bill endorses amendments to the tribe's Class III compact to...

Editorial: Seminole casino compact a good deal for Florida (04/12)

"Give the Florida Legislature credit. Lawmakers pushed their way into the delicate negotiations between Gov. Charlie Crist and the Seminole Tribe over a new gambling compact. It also took a lawsuit to get state lawmakers...

Seminole casino compact easily clears first legislative vote (04/09)

The Florida House Select Committee on Seminole Indian Compact Review voted 15-3 on Thursday to approve a Class III compact with the Seminole Tribe. The vote sends the measure for a vote on the House...

Card Player: Oklahoma casinos a big player in poker scene (04/08)

"On paper, Oklahoma shouldn�t be such a big deal in the poker world. The Midwestern state ranks only 28th out of 50 in the U.S. in terms of population, and it is known to outsiders...

New compact for Seminole Tribe moving towards approval (04/08)

Florida Gov. Charlie Crist (R) expects final approval of a Class III gaming compact for the Seminole Tribe by early next week. The deal was announced on Tuesday. The tribal council approved it yesterday and...

Seminole Tribe signs a third compact for Class III gaming (04/07)

The Seminole Tribe of Florida signed yet another gaming compact but it looks like third time's a charm for this deal. The tribe's first agreement was invalidated by the state courts. The second one...

Judge indicates he might invalidate Pauma casino compact (04/06)

A federal judge indicated he might invalidate the Class III gaming compact that the Pauma Band of Luise�o Indians signed with California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R). The tribe signed the compact in 2004. It authorized...

Massachusetts bill limits state to one tribal casino compact (04/06)

A bill that would legalize gaming in Massachusetts attempts to limit the state to one Class III gaming compact in the first 15 years. The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe are both...

Lawmakers take up proposed compact with Seminole Tribe (04/05)

Negotiators for the Seminole Tribe and the Florida Legislature reached a deal for a Class III gaming compact. The five-year agreement authorizes slot machines at all seven of the tribe's casinos and table games at...

Another California tribe wins case over slot machine cap (03/31)

Another California tribe has won a lawsuit over the limits the state placed on the number of slot machines at tribal casinos. The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians signed a Class III compact in...

Lawmakers working on Class III deal with Seminole Tribe (03/30)

Key lawmakers say they are close to a Class III gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The deal would authorize blackjack and card games for the tribe. But it would also expand...

Board set to distribute Nottawaseppi Huron casino revenues (03/26)

Gaming revenues from the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians are expected to be distributed to local governments by June 30, The Battle Creek Enquirer reports. The tribe agreed to share 2 percent of slot...

Muscogee Nation predicting big drop in gaming revenues (03/26)

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation of Oklahoma has seen a big drop in gaming revenues and profits, The Tulsa World reports. Revenues at the River Spirit Casino dropped 61 percent from the first quarter of...

Seminole Tribe close to deal for Class III gaming compact (03/25)

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is reportedly close to a deal for a new Class III gaming compact. The tribe will reportedly share $150 million a year for five years in exchange for exclusivity for...

Blog: Seminole Tribe paid off governor's aide for compact (03/23)

"Well, GOP consultant Roger Stone was deposed in the Scott Rothstein bankruptcy case yesterday and, true to his usual form, he didn't disappoint. And of course, most of the good stuff didn't concern the...

Oklahoma tribes shared $112M in casino revenue in 2009 (03/22)

Oklahoma tribes contributed $112 million in gaming revenues to the state in 2009 though only a fraction goes to problem gambling programs. According to The Oklahoman, tribes contributed only $250,000 for gambling treatment. A larger...

Little River Band signs compact for off-reservation casino (03/22)

The Little River Band of Ottawa Indians and Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm (D) signed new compact amendments for an off-reservation casino. The amendments allow the tribe to pursue a casino at a former racetrack in...

Case questions Eastern Cherokee compact negotiations (03/17)

A lawsuit that was filed in North Carolina state court says the governor lacks the authority to negotiate a Class III gaming compact with the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The tribe's original compact was...

Board considers Nottawaseppi Huron casino revenues (03/16)

A board that will distribute gaming revenues from the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians is weighing four suggested plans. One plan was submitted by the tribe. The tribe's representative on the board said it...

Board discusses Nottawaseppi Huron gaming revenues (03/10)

A board that will determine how to share gaming revenues from the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan met on Monday. The tribe's Class III gaming compact calls for 2 percent of slot...

Gamblers sue Seminole Tribe over 'illegal' card games (03/09)

Important Update: The website linked below has removed the story from its server. Also, the tribe clarified in an email that it has not been named a defendant in the lawsuit. Two gamblers say the...

Florida lawmakers seek control over Seminole gaming (03/08)

Lawmakers in the Florida Senate introduced a bill to dictate the terms of a Class III gaming compact for the Seminole Tribe. The bill authorizes slot machines at all of the tribe's seven casinos and...

Cocopah Tribe shares casino revenues with community (03/05)

The Cocopah Tribe shared $21,252 in gaming revenues with two communities in Arizona. The tribe gave the money to the city of Somerton and the town of Wellton. The tribe said the donation was the...

Editorial: Seminole casino deal makes sense for Florida (03/05)

"The Legislature and the Seminole Indian Tribe appear close to striking a deal to finally give Florida a portion of the proceeds from blackjack and other table games added to the Seminoles' casinos nearly two...

Republican lawmaker hopeful for Seminole gaming deal (03/04)

A Florida lawmaker said he remains hopeful of a Class III gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe. Rep. Bill Galvano (R) is serving as lead negotiator with the tribe. He said lawmakers are working on...

Seminole Tribe make progress on new casino compact (03/03)

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is making progress on a new Class III gaming compact, The Miami Herald reports. The tribe has been negotiating with state lawmakers. Details are still being worked out but the...

Another year, another debate on Seminole gaming deal (03/01)

A Class III gaming compact with the Seminole Tribe is once again on the agenda for the Florida Legislature this year. The tribe and Gov. Charlie Crist (R) signed the deal to cover slot machines...

Column: Consider tribal revenue sharing in Washington (03/01)

"Under gaming compacts with the state, tribes must dole out 2 percent of net receipts from table games into a fund that addresses the local impacts of casino operations. They also must pass out 0.5...

Rincon Chair: States hold tribes hostage for compact (02/24)

"By stacking the deck against tribal governments when negotiating casino compacts, California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger was gambling that he could violate federal law with impunity. He bet he could hold the tribes hostage by our...

Wyandotte Nation awaits action on Kansas casino (02/22)

The Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma could finally see action on its off-reservation casino in Kansas, Second Chief Billy Friend said. Friend said the Bureau of Indian Affairs might make a decision within 30 days. If...

Yavapai-Apache Nation shares gaming revenues (02/19)

The Yavapai-Apache Nation of Arizona shared over $156,000 in gaming revenues with local governments. The tribe contributed $80,525 to the town of Camp Verde, $66,000 to the city of Cottonwood and $10,000 to the town...

South Dakota bill seeks more review of compacts (02/18)

South Dakota tribes are opposing a bill that would require legislative approval of all tribal-state gaming compacts. Tribal leaders said the bill will complicate an already difficult process. They cited failed attempts to negotiate new...

Pinoleville Pomo Nation eyes fifth casino in county (02/18)

The Pinoleville Pomo Nation of California plans to build the fifth tribal casino in Mendocino County, population 90,000. The tribe gained state legislative approval for a casino with up to 900 slot machines. The compact...

Oklahoma tracks ask for probe into tribal payments (02/18)

The Oklahoma Quarter Horse Racing Association and the Thoroughbred Racing Association of Oklahoma are accusing three tribes of shortchanging them on gaming payments. Under the tribal-state compact, the Cherokee Nation, the Muscogee (Creek) Nation and...