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Opinion: Bill to bar Tohono O'odham casino breaks promises (12/09)

"If U.S. Congressman Trent Franks� H.R. 2938 (Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Clarification Act) passes, Arizonans� water bills may increase again. But his bill isn�t actually about water at all. The bill was submitted...

Top Republicans against efforts to expand gaming in Florida (12/09)

Attorney General Pam Bondi and Florida Agriculture Commissioner Adam Putnam came out against efforts to expand non-Indian gaming in Florida. Bondi and Putnam cited promises made to the Seminole Tribe at a press conference yesterday....

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe still on the hunt for a casino site (12/08)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is still looking for a site to host a casino in southeastern Massachusetts. The tribe's deals in Middleboro and Fall River have fallen through. An additional site in Raynham also didn't...

Developers line up to bid on casino licenses in Massachusetts (12/07)

At least seven developers are interested in entering the new gaming market in Massachusetts. H.3702 authorizes three casinos in different regions of the state. Four developers are interested in western Massachusetts and three developers are...

Tohono O'odham Nation defends bid for off-reservation casino (12/07)

Chairman Ned Norris Jr. of the Tohono O'odham Nation presented the tribe's off-reservation casino to the Peoria Chamber of Commerce on Tuesday. Norris slammed critics of the West Valley Resort for trying to change a...

MPR: White Earth Band seeks Twin Cities off-reservation casino (12/06)

"White Earth tribal chairwoman Erma Vizenor is in town to testify to the stadium finance hearing this afternoon. Word has been that they're going to make an offer to help fund a Vikings stadium. People...

Governor of New York looking at 'destination gaming locations' (12/06)

New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo (D) said he wants the state to create "destination gaming locations" but has yet to offer specifics. In an opinion published this week, Cuomo identified gaming as a way...

Republicans in Washington aiming for more non-Indian gaming (12/06)

Republican lawmakers in Washington will introduce bills to allow non-Indian card rooms to offer slot machines. The bills will authorize up to 7,875 machines slot machines at 60 card rooms. Republicans estimate that expanded gaming...

Malaysian company with ties to tribes eyes a casino in Florida (11/29)

Genting, a Malaysian company with a history in Indian Country, is seeking to build a mega-casino in Florida. Genting plans to spend $3.8 billion on a resort with six towers, 50 restaurants and a shopping...

Magazine: The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe takes a big gamble (11/22)

"It's a bright, cloudless mid-September day on Cape Cod. A generation ago, this is the type of day that, if the Mashpee Wampanoag Indian tribe were holding a council meeting and it turned out the...

Robert Smith: Address tribal concerns about Internet gaming (11/21)

"California is the home to 107 federally recognized Indian tribes, and the authorization of intrastate online gaming is a policy issue that has generated some disagreement among some of us in Indian country. But the...

Editorial: Expansion of non-Indian gaming won't help Florida (11/21)

"Backers of the bill to allow "destination resort" casinos claim that allowing more gambling in Florida would mean less gambling in Florida. No, it won't. Common sense says it won't. History definitely says it won't....

Senate Indian Affairs Committee considers Internet gambling (11/18)

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing on Thursday to consider tribal perspectives on Internet gaming. Tribal and Indian leaders said they welcome the opportunity to expand their operations. But they said their sovereignty,...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe defends provisions in gaming bill (11/18)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is defending provisions in H.3702, the gaming bill that Gov. Deval Patrick (D) is expected to sign into law. The bill sets aside a casino in southeastern Massachusetts for "a federally...

Arizona tribes back at war on off-reservation casino measure (11/18)

The Gila River Indian Community and the Tohono O'odham Nation are back at war over an off-reservation casino. Greg Mendoza, the governor-elect at Gila River, welcomed approval of H.R.2938 by the House Natural Resources Committee....

House committee passes bill to block Tohono O'odham casino (11/17)

The House Natural Resources Committee voted 32-11 today to pass H.R.2938, a bill that bars the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona from opening an off-reservation casino. The bill generated considerable debate from members of both...

Editorial: Tribal provisions place region at casino disadvantage (11/17)

"The legislation's proviso that Indian tribes have until July to find land to build a casino in southeastern Massachusetts puts this region at a disadvantage, despite arguments to the contrary. The reality is that this...

Bill extends exclusivity for Seminole Tribe's gaming operation (11/16)

The Seminole Tribe of Florida is open to a bill that would extend its Class III gaming compact in exchange for more revenues, a lobbyist said. The bill by state Rep. Joe Abruzzo (D) would...

Tribes in Connecticut turn their sights towards Massachusetts (11/16)

Connecticut's two federally recognized tribes are facing some big competition now that Massachusetts will be home to three casino resorts. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe have enjoyed near exclusivity in the...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe welcomes approval of gaming bill (11/16)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe hailed final passage of H.3702, a bill to legalize full-scale gaming in Massachusetts. The bill authorizes three casinos in three regions of the state. Region C -- the southeastern part --...

Senate Indian Affairs Committee to consider Internet gaming (11/15)

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee will hold a hearing this Thursday to discuss Internet gaming and tribal rights. The hearing takes place at 2:15pm in Room 628 of the Senate Dirksen Office Building. The witness...

Final vote planned for gaming legislation in Massachusetts (11/15)

Lawmakers in Massachusetts are giving final approval to H.3702, a bill to legalize full-scale gaming, and it could be sent to Gov. Deval Patrick (D) as early as today. The bill authorizes three casinos in...

Seminole chairman slams comments about gaming compact (11/11)

The leader of the Seminole Tribe vowed to defeat a bill that would expand non-Indian gaming in Florida. The tribe signed a Class III gaming compact in 2010 that guaranteed exclusivity in exchange for revenue...

MPBN: Passamaquoddy Tribe loses out with defeat of racino (11/10)

"Two images capture the resignation that sets in Down East everytime voters decide whether to allow gambling in Washington County. At the Calais Motor Inn, the election-night crowd around Joseph Socobasin and his laptop grows,...

Passamaquoddy Tribe not ready to give up on gaming plans (11/09)

A leader of the Passamaquoddy Tribe of Maine vowed to keep pushing for gaming even after voters rejected a racino by a 55 percent to 45 percent margin on Tuesday. "The tribe has been pursuing...

Landowner touts poll favoring site for Mohegan Tribe's casino (11/08)

People in western Massachusetts want to see a casino in Palmer, according to the results of a new poll. The Northeast Group owns land that the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut plans to use for a...

Seminole Tribe's lawyer suggests expansion of Indian gaming (11/08)

The Seminole Tribe is willing to share more revenues with the state of Florida in exchange for expanded gaming, attorney Barry Richard said. The tribe already shares about $250 million a year under its Class...

Seminole Tribe vows to kill bill for more non-Indian gaming (11/07)

The Seminole Tribe of Florida says it will work to defeat a bill that authorizes three non-Indian casinos. The tribe signed a Class III gaming compact with the state in 2010. It requires the tribe...

Seminole Tribe pays twice as much as non-Indian facilities (11/04)

The Seminole Tribe shares $250 million a year with the state of Florida -- twice as much as five non-Indian facilities. The five racinos in south Florida pay 35 percent of slot machine revenues to...

MPR: Governor wants to bring tribes in stadium-casino bid (11/04)

"Governor Dayton says he's open to asking the state's tribal leaders for a contribution to pay for a new Vikings stadium. Dayton's spokeswoman told MPR News that Dayton's deputy chief of staff met with lobbyists...

Mohegan Tribe faces competition for Massachusetts casino (11/02)

The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut faces competition in its bid for a casino in Massachusetts. Hard Rock International, which is owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida, plans to bid on casino in the western...

Blog: Tribes aim to regulate Internet gaming on reservation (11/02)

"The congressional hearing held recently, invited a tribal delegate of NIGA (National Indian Gaming Association) to participate. In the testimony, the delegate made demands for certain rights to be conferred upon the tribes, in case...

MPR: Another bid for more non-Indian gaming in Minnesota (11/02)

"A virtual reboot of one of Minnesota's best-known gambling traditions is getting renewed interest as a funding source for a Vikings stadium. Backers say electronic pull-tabs could also help boost the hospitality industry and revive...

First Nations can pursue lawsuit for ATM thefts at casinos (11/01)

The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority will be able to pursue a lawsuit against officials of a company that supplied ATM machines to First Nations casinos. SIGA is suing six people who were shareholders or directors...

Lawmaker defends Wampanoag provisions in gaming bill (11/01)

A state lawmaker is defending tribal provisions in the Massachusetts gaming bill amid local opposition. H.3702 authorizes three casinos in different regions of the state. Region C is reserved for "a federally recognized tribe." The...

Passamaquoddy Chief: 'It is our turn' for gaming in Maine (11/01)

Leaders of the Passamaquoddy Tribe of Maine say their people deserve a shot at gaming. Tribal leaders have gone to the ballot or the Legislature four times in recent years. Their plans have always been...

MPR: Mayor of Minneapolis a reluctant convert to gaming (10/28)

"Minneapolis mayor R.T. Rybak has rolled out the most extensive plan to date for keeping the Minnesota Vikings in his city. It looks a lot like the plan he and city council president Barb Johnson...

Tim Evans: Update on Internet gambling and tribal issues (10/27)

"In legislative action taken on the eve of its mid-term election recess in 2006, Congress enacted the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act (UIGEA), 31 U.S.C. �� 5361-5367, as part of unrelated homeland security legislation known...

Bill to authorize non-Indian gaming breaks Seminole deal (10/27)

A bill to expand non-Indian gaming in Florida would break the Class III compact with the Seminole Tribe if it becomes law. The tribe signed the deal in 2010. It requires the tribe to share...

NIGA chair offers tribal perspective on Internet gambling (10/26)

National Indian Gaming Association Chairman Ernest Stevens Jr. testified about Internet gambling at a hearing in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday. Stevens said tribes are concerned about impacts to the $28 billion Indian gaming industry. He...

Column: NIGA chairman to testify about Internet gambling (10/25)

"With some members of Congress looking for ways to bring in extra tax revenues and casino moguls like Donald Trump calling for the legalization of internet gambling, a U.S. House panel today convenes a hearing...

Editorial: Expansion of non-tribal casinos is bad for Florida (10/24)

"Florida voters have rejected allowing full-fledged casinos three times at the ballot box since 1978. No matter. Key lawmakers in the House and Senate, with the tacit support of Gov. Rick Scott, are poised in...

Passamaquoddy Tribe not alone in plan for more gaming (10/21)

The Passamaquoddy Tribe of Maine is seeking voter approval to open a racino but that's not the only gaming question on the November 8 ballot. The Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point and the Passamaquoddy Tribe...

City blasts tribal provisions in Massachusetts gaming bill (10/21)

The city council in New Bedford, Massachusetts, took action to oppose tribal provisions in a gaming bill that has been approved by state lawmakers. The bill authorizes casinos in three regions of the state. Region...

City wants to discuss gaming with two Wampanoag tribes (10/20)

The city council in New Bedford, Massachusetts, has invited the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe and the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe to a meeting tonight to discuss gaming. The tribes haven't said whether they will attend, The New...

MPR: Minnesota tribes face another threat to casino empire (10/19)

"With just five weeks to put together a stadium plan for the Minnesota Vikings, supporters are looking hard to find revenue sources for the project. Gambling is an obvious source, said bill sponsor Rep. Morrie...

Mohegan Tribe 'closer than ever' to casino in Massachusetts (10/18)

The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut is moving closer to a casino in Massachusetts, a top gaming executive said. The tribe wants to build a casino in Palmer, in the western part of the state. Lawmakers...

Passamaquoddy Tribe makes case to state voters for gaming (10/14)

The Passamaquoddy Tribe of Maine says voters should approve two racinos in order to generate jobs and economic development. The Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point and the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township will operate a...

Mashpee Wampanaog Tribe hails passage of gaming measure (10/14)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe praised the passage of H.3702, a bill that legalizes full-scale gaming in Massachusetts. "We look forward to the next steps in the process, including passage of a final bill and compact...

Leaders of Passamaquoddy Tribe pushing for casino measure (10/13)

Leaders of the Passamaquoddy Tribe are hoping Maine voters approve a gaming referendum that's on the November ballot. If approved, Question 2 authorizes slot machines at a racetrack facility in Washington County for the...

Blog: Expanded non-Indian gaming a long shot for Minnesota (10/13)

"A steady downpour didn�t keep Indian gambling workers from flocking outside the state Capitol in St. Paul last April. At least 1,500 people gathered outside on the building�s steps, some arriving by the busload from...

Debate continues on bill to authorize gaming in Massachusetts (10/07)

The Massachusetts Senate is moving toward final approval of H.3702, a bill to authorize up to three casinos and one slot machine parlor in the state. The bill authorizes casinos in three regions. The casino...

Tohono O'odham Nation defends bid for off-reservation casino (10/07)

The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona headed into a Capitol Hill hearing this week on the defensive but found some support for its off-reservation casino. Nearly all of the witnesses invited by the House Subcommittee...

Tohono O'odham Nation threatens lawsuit over anti-casino bill (10/05)

The Tohono O'odham Nation will sue the federal government if Congress enacts H.R.2938, a bill that stops the tribe from building an off-reservation casino, Chairman Ned Norris Jr. said on Tuesday. In 1986, Congress enacted...

Audio of House hearing on Tohono O'odham Nation casino bill (10/04)

The House Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs holds a hearing tomorrow on H.R.2938, a bill that stops the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona from building an off-reservation casino. Members of the subcommittee heard...

Tohono O'odham Nation poll shows support for casino project (10/04)

The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona says results of a poll show the public supports an off-reservation casino. When asked "In general, do you think this is a very good, good, bad or very bad...

Witness list for House hearing on Tohono O'odham casino bill (10/03)

California governor extends moratorium on card clubs to 2020 (09/30)

California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) signed into law a bill that extends a moratorium on new card clubs to 2020. The original law had a moratorium on 2015. Existing card clubs said they were happy...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe reportedly owes $25M to investor (09/30)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts owes $25 million to investor Herb Strather, The Cape Cod Times reports. Strather, a developer from Michigan, bankrolled the tribe's federal recognition effort. Now he wants a payout from...

House subcomittee to take up Tohono O'odham Nation casino bill (09/27)

The House Subcommittee on Indian and Alaska Native Affairs will hold a hearing next Tuesday, October 4, on H.R.2938, a bill that stops the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona from building an off-reservation casino. Rep....

Massachusetts Senate opens debate on bill to approve casinos (09/27)

The Massachusetts Senate opened debate on H.3702, a bill to legalize full-scale gaming. The bill authorizes casinos in three regions. The casino in Region C -- the southeastern part of the state -- is reserved...

Opinion: Massachusetts well on its way to commercial gaming (09/26)

"Massachusetts is now well on its way to be the newest state in the US to allow casinos within its borders. The lower house has approved it with the votes in favour almost four times...

City wants to talk with tribes about casinos in Massachusetts (09/23)

The city council in New Bedford, Massachusetts, voted 9-2 to talk with tribes and other developers about gaming. A bill making its way through the state Legislature authorizes three casinos. The casino on Region C,...

Opinion: An update on Internet gaming in California and beyond (09/22)

"CALIFORNIA � The California Assembly is back in session for the next several weeks, but Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg has just announced that there will be no action on any of the various...

Rep. Kildee signs onto anti-Tohono O'odham Nation casino bill (09/22)

A bill to stop the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona from building an off-reservation casino gained an unlikely supporter on Wednesday -- Rep. Dale Kildee (D-Michigan). Kildee, who is retiring at the end of the...

Tohono O'odham Nation gathers support against anti-casino bill (09/21)

The Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona is gathering support in opposition to a bill that would block its plan for an off-reservation casino. The Arizona Contractors Association is asking Rep. Trent Franks (R-Arizona), the sponsor...

Opinion: The great gambling debate resurfaces in Massachusetts (09/20)

'Go to a casino on a weekday morning and you�re likely to see pitiful people who look like they can�t afford to be pumping cash into slot machines and can�t stop themselves. But go there...

Passamaquoddy Tribe asks state voters again to approve casino (09/20)

The Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township is once again asking voters in Maine to approve a gaming facility. The tribe's prior efforts have failed even as voters approved non-Indian casinos. This time around, the tribe...

Rep. Grijalva opposes bill to halt Tohono O'odham Nation casino (09/19)

Rep. Raul Grijalva (D-Arizona) said a Republican-led effort to stop the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona from opening a casino could affect tribes nationwide. In 1986, Congress enacted the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement...

Press conference for bill to block Tohono O'odham Nation casino (09/16)

A press conference is being held this morning to discuss H.R.2938, the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Clarification Act. The bill bars the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona from opening a casino on land...

MinnPost: More and more states looking into gaming expansion (09/16)

"Massachusetts appears poised to open its doors to casino gambling � amid a flurry of recession-driven interest in gambling to boost jobs and tax revenue. In Ohio, a new Cleveland casino is in the midst...

Bill bars Tohono O'odham Nation from gaming on acquired land (09/15)

Rep. Trent Franks (R-Arizona) is introducing a bill today to block the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona. The bill amends the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Act of 1986. It bars the tribe from...

Massachusetts House easily passes bill for expanded gaming (09/15)

The Massachusetts House voted 123-32 to pass H.3702, a bill to legalize full-scale gaming. The bill authorizes casinos in three regions. The casino in Region C -- the southeastern part of the state -- is...

Tribes gear up for debate on casino measure in Massachusetts (09/14)

The Massachusetts House is due to start debate today on H.3702, a bill to legalize full-scale gaming. The bill authorizes casinos in three regions. The casino in Region C -- the southeastern part of the...

Rep. Franks to introduce bill to outlaw Tohono O'odham casino (09/14)

Rep. Trent Franks (R-Arizona) will introduce a bill tomorrow to block the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona from opening an off-reservation casino. Franks says the tribe is misusing a land claim settlement act to open...

Lawmaker drafts bill to block Tohono O'odham Nation casino (09/13)

Rep. Trent Franks (R-Arizona) has drafted a bill to block the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona from opening an off-reservation casino. In 1986, Congress enacted the Gila Bend Indian Reservation Lands Replacement Act. The law...

Mohegan Tribe to discuss plans for casino in Massachusetts (09/13)

The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut will meet today with the town council in Palmer, Massachusetts, to discuss plans for a casino. The tribe wants to bid on a casino license for western Massachusetts. Town leaders...

Congress looking at Internet gaming, off-reservation gaming (09/09)

Bills to legalize Internet gaming and to restrict off-reservation gaming are being considered in the 112th Congress. Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) introduced H.R.2366, the Internet Gambling Prohibition, Poker Consumer Protection, and Strengthening UIGEA Act in...

Bill offers 'small window' for a tribal casino in Massachusetts (09/07)

A gaming bill introduced in Massachusetts gives a tribe until July 31, 2012, to negotiate a Class III compact with the state. The bill also provides some time for a tribe to acquire land for...

Gaming an issue as Oklahoma tribe seeks to return to Georgia (08/26)

A bill that would place a hurdle in the sale of land to the Kialegee Tribal Town of Oklahoma has been placed on hold in Georgia. The tribe is working with developer Joe McDonough on...

Gaming interests oppose tribal provision in Massachusetts bill (08/26)

Gaming interests in Massachusetts say the state shouldn't reserve a casino for a federally recognized tribe. The Plainridge Race Track has hired Joseph S. Larisa Jr., the attorney who was part of Carcieri v. Salazar....

Massachusetts gaming bill provides for just one tribal compact (08/25)

Massachusetts is home to the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe and the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe but it appears only one will be able to join the Indian gaming industry under a bill unveiled earlier this week. The...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe still looking to find land for a casino (08/24)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is still looking for land to open a casino in southeastern Massachusetts. The tribe's first two sites fell through. Talks for a new location never produced a deal, although the owner...

Mohegan Tribe ready to bid on casino in western Massachusetts (08/24)

The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut is moving closer towards its goal of operating a commercial casino in Massachusetts. The tribe wants to open a casino in Palmer. That's in western Massachusetts, one of the regions...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe praises Massachusetts gaming bill (08/23)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe welcomed a bill that would legalize full-scale gaming in Massachusetts. The bill authorizes the governor to enter into negotiations with "a federally recognized Indian tribe" in the southeastern part of the...

Bill to legalize Internet poker in California dead amid opposition (08/23)

A bill to legalize Internet poker in California is being declared dead. The California Online Poker Association, a coalition led by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, supported Senate Bill 40. But other politically-connected tribes,...

Public Radio: Tribes in California split over Internet poker in state (08/22)

"Some Native American tribes and card rooms are going all-in on a measure that would let them set up poker websites. But many other tribes say they're being left out. This is one political issue...

Massachusetts governor supports a Mashpee Wampanoag casino (08/22)

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) says gaming legislation needs to account for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. Patrick supports full-scale gaming in the state. That would mean the tribe can open a Class III casino. "We...

California tribes lobby lawmakers on Internet gambling measure (08/17)

California tribes are stepping up their lobbying campaigns on Internet gaming. The California Online Poker Association, a coalition led by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, supports Senate Bill 40, to legalize Internet poker. The...

Lawmakers predict passage of Eastern Cherokee gaming compact (08/16)

Two leaders in the North Carolina Senate said there are enough votes to approve a new Class III gaming compact for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. The tribe wants to add live card dealers...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe keeping an eye on gaming legislation (08/16)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe expects more debate this fall on a bill to legalize gaming in Massachusetts. The details are still being developed but the bill will likely authorize full-scale gaming and three commercial casinos...

Navajo president vetoes bill to exempt casinos in smoking ban (08/08)

Navajo Nation President Ben Shelly vetoed a bill that exempted tribal gaming facilities from a ban on smoking in public places. Shelly supports a complete smoking ban. He said the bill passed by the Navajo...

Los Coyotes Band not worried about off-reservation gaming bill (08/02)

The Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians of California isn't worried about S.1424, a bill to restrict off-reservation gaming. The tribe is pursuing a casino in Barstow, more than 100 miles from the...

Republican seeks to bar land claim exception for tribal casinos (07/28)

Rep. Charlie Dent (R-Pennsylvania) is proposing to bar tribes from using land claim settlements to open casinos. Dent has offered a legislative rider to H.R.2584, the Interior appropriations bill that's being considered in the House....

Audio for Senate Indian Affairs Committee hearing on gaming (07/28)

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing this afternoon on the regulation of Indian gaming. One significant topic was the so-called CRIT decision from 2006. The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Class...

Sen. McCain introduces bill to restrict off-reservation casinos (07/28)

Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) has introduced a bill that would reinstate the Bush administration's policy against off-reservation gaming. McCain introduced S.1424 on Wednesday. It requires the Interior Department to consider distance from the reservation when...

Navajo Nation Council exempts gaming facilities in smoking ban (07/22)

The Navajo Nation Council voted 14-5 to ban smoking at public places on the Navajo Nation, with an exemption for gaming facilities. The tribe operates two casinos and is building more. Gaming executives feared a...

Casinos an issue as Navajo Nation Council takes up smoking ban (07/18)

The Navajo Nation Council will consider two bills to ban smoking at public places on the Navajo Nation. President Ben Shelly supports a complete ban. But a different version of the bill exempts gaming facilities....

Tribes in California divided on bills to authorize Internet gaming (07/13)

Tribes are divided over efforts to legalize Internet poker in California. The California Online Poker Association, a coalition led by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, supports SB 40. But the Agua Caliente Band of...

Seven companies bid on Rhode Island study on gaming market (07/12)

Seven companies are bidding to conduct a gaming study commissioned by the state of Rhode Island. The state wants to know about the gaming market in New England. Tribal and commercial casinos are possible in...

Judge won't support annexation of Tohono O'odham gaming site (07/01)

A federal judge won't let the state of Arizona annex land owned by the Tohono O'odham Nation. The state enacted a law that would have allowed the city of Glendale to annex the tribe's off-reservation...

Rep. Barton includes tribes in bill to legalize Internet gaming (06/24)

Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) introduced a bipartisan bill today to legalize Internet gaming. The bill authorizes states and tribes to issue licenses for online gaming. Interstate gaming is allowed but states can choose to opt...

Massachusetts governor close to compromise on gaming bill (06/15)

Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick (D) said he is close to a compromise on a bill to legalize casino-style gambling. Patrick supports up to three casinos and slot machines at one racetrack, all of which would...

Maine Senate approves racino bill for Passamaquoddy Tribe (06/10)

The Maine Senate approved a bill to authorize a racetrack with slot machines for the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township. LD 1203 authorizes up to 1,500 slot machines at two racinos. The tribe's facility would...

Bill to legalize casinos in Massachusetts is back on the table (06/09)

A bill to legalize casinos in Massachusetts is back on the table, The Boston Herald reports. The proposed bill would authorize three resorts in different parts of the state. The Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut plans...

Maine House passes bill for Passamaquoddy Tribe's racino (06/07)

The Maine House passed a bill to authorize a racetrack with slot machines for the Passamaquoddy Tribe at Indian Township. LD 1203 authorizes up to 1,500 slot machines at two racinos. The tribe's facility would...

Rhode Island study looks at potential Narragansett casino (06/07)

Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee (I) wants to know how much a casino is worth to the Narragansett Tribe. Chafee issued a request-for-proposals for a gaming study. Respondents are asked to "develop an estimate of...

Rhode Island proposal requests study on IGRA casino option (06/02)

The state of Rhode Island is issuing a request-for-proposals for a gaming study, The Providence Journal reports. The study focuses on two areas. The first is the potential expansion of the Twin River Casino, a...

Rep. Bono Mack open to bill to legalize Internet gaming (05/31)

Rep. Mary Bono Mack (R-California) is open to sponsoring a bill to legalize Internet gaming but a spokesperson said no decisions have been made. Bono Mack chairs the Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing and Trade. Her...

Narragansett Tribe questions push for gaming referendum (05/26)

When the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island sought voter approval for a casino, lawmakers insisted on several concessions before putting the issue on the ballot. But Chief Sachem Matthew Thomas questioned why lawmakers aren't making...

Slots facility questions involvement of Narragansett Tribe (05/18)

The owners of Twin River Casino are questioning the involvement of the Narragansett Tribe in turning the slot machine facility into a full-fledged casino. Twin River wants to put the casino issue before state voters....

Gaming interests ramp up spending on lobbying in Florida (05/18)

Gaming interests spent over $800,000 on lobbying in the first quarter of 2011, according to an analysis by the The Orlando Sentinel and The South Florida Sun Sentinel. Las Vegas Sands spent $135,000 in the...

Mooretown Rancheria supports off-reservation gaming bill (05/16)

The Mooretown Rancheria of Maidu Indians in California supports S.771, the Tribal Gaming Eligibility Act. The bill will stop "reservation shopping," according to the tribe. "We have a unique perspective on this issue because out-of-state...

GOP leader steps down from anti-gaming expansion group (05/16)

Tony Sutton, the chairman of the Minnesota Republican Party, has resigned from the board of the Citizens Against Gambling Expansion. Sutton's involvement was questioned when members of the GOP's email list received messages from CAGE....

Republican leader denies ties to Minnesota tribal gaming (05/13)

The leader of the Minnesota Republican Party says he doesn't have any ties to the Minnesota Indian Gaming Association. Chair Tony Sutton is being questioned about the use of the GOP's email list to send...

Police fear increase in calls with liquor at Shakopee casino (05/11)

Law enforcement are worried about an increase in calls if the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community starts serving liquor at its casino. The tribe might sell liquor at the Mystic Lake Casino if lawmakers expand non-Indian...

Lytton Band opposes Sen. Feinstein bill to limit casino rights (05/09)

The Lytton Band of Pomo Indians is once again fighting efforts to restrict its gaming rights. The tribe opened the San Pablo Lytton Casino on land that was placed in trust by an act of...

MPBN: Bills for expanded gaming in Maine headed to debate (05/09)

"Citizen-initiated bills generally carry a lot of weight in the Legislature because they have been endorsed with tens of thousands of voter signatures in order to earn the right to be on the ballot. It's...

DC Circuit revives lawsuit over Buena Vista Rancheria casino (05/06)

The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals today revived a lawsuit that challenges the casino plans of the Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians of California. The tribe entered into a Class III gaming compact with...

Sen. Feinstein introduces bill to restrict Lytton Band's casino (05/06)

Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-California) introduced S.872, a bill to restrict the gaming rights of the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians, on Tuesday. The bill bars the tribe from expanding the "exterior physical measurements" of the...

MPR: Minnesota tribes oppose bill to allow non-Indian gaming (05/06)

"With the state facing a projected $5 billion budget deficit, a lot of people thought passing bills to expand gambling would be a slam dunk at the Capitol. But a proposal to allow slot machines...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe ready to enter gaming market (05/05)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is prepared to offer Class II gaming if legislation for full-scale gaming doesn't pass in Massachusetts. Chairman Cedric Cromwell testified before the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies yesterday....