Tribes an issue as Iowa lawmakers debate Internet gaming

Wednesday, April 20, 2011  

Lawmakers in Iowa are discussing Internet gaming and the effect it could have on tribes.

The Meskwaki Tribe, the Omaha Tribe and the Winnebago Tribe operate Class III facilities in Iowa. If the state legalizes Internet gaming, the tribes will probably be able to offer it, according to one official.

"I would lean toward they could probably do whatever they want. I wouldn't hang my hat on that you could prohibit the tribes from providing any gambling that they would like," Jack Ketterer, administrator of the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission, told lawmakers on Tuesday, The Quad City Times reported.

Federal law bans Internet wagering but exceptions are allowed under state law or tribal-state Class III compacts.

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