Legislation

Details of Internet gambling bill remain under wraps in Senate

Friday, August 3, 2012

Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nevada), the Senate majority leader, and Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Arizona), the Senate minority whip, are said to be developing an Internet gambling bill but no one seems to know what might be in it.

Reid has long sought to protect gaming interests in Nevada. Kyl hasn't played a big role in gaming issues but he will be retiring at the end of the 112th Congress so his role could help secure passage of a bill this year.

Yet little is known about the bill they are working on, The Las Vegas Sun reports. That puts tribes in tough spot as they seek to protect their rights and their $27 billion industry.

“With Indian gaming representing over 40 percent of the gaming market, it is inconceivable ... that tribes are not being consulted" about efforts on Capitol Hill, Glen Globin, the secretary of the Tulalip Tribes of Washington, said at a Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing last week.

Sen. Daniel Akaka (D-Hawaii) is hoping to shape the debate with the release of a draft version of the Tribal Online Gaming Act. The proposed bill seeks to protect existing Class III gaming compacts and ensure that tribal gaming revenues aren't taxed by states.

Get the Story:
Reid faces challenges in keeping online poker coalition intact (The Las Vegas Sun 8/3)

TRIBAL ONLINE GAMING ACT OF 2012:
Summary of SCIA Internet gaming bill | Draft of SCIA Internet gaming bill