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THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2003

The proponents of a $1.8 billion entertainment and casino project in Montana aren't dissuaded by this week's narrow defeat in the House.

All the American Indian lawmakers voted in favor of HB757. It could have cleared the way for expanded gaming on the state's reservations.

In a guest opinion published by The Billings Gazette, Steven W. Arntzen, president of the Gaming Industry Association of Montana, calls the idea "Desperation Montana." He says tribes would open up urban-area casinos near Billings and Missoula.

"The federal National Indian Gaming Regulatory Act assures us of that," he says. "NIGRA allows the tribes in any state to negotiate compacts to operate gambling operations on their reservations in each state for every type of legalized gaming allowed in that state. If gaming is legalized in any form, anywhere in the state, at least that same level of gaming has to be offered to each tribal government who desires it."

Get the Story:
Butte gambling promoters promise to try again in Legislature (The Billings Gazette 4/3)
Steven W. Arntzen opinion: Legislature should reject 'Desperation Montana' (The Billings Gazette 4/3)

Get the Bill:
HB 757

Related Stories:
Mont. gaming proposal killed by two votes (4/2)
Mont. tribes don't testify at gaming hearing (3/28)
Editorial: Mont. casino bill must be killed (3/27)
Groups say casino will expand Indian gaming (3/26)
Mont. gaming bill calls for 10 new casinos (3/21)
Mont. tribes asked to help run one big casino (3/14)
Mont. tribal leaders discuss expanded gaming (3/13)
Mont. tribes could benefit from expanded gaming (3/12)