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Eastern Cherokees to vote on liquor sales at casino (12/19)

Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will vote on the sale of liquor at their North Carolina casino. A petition gained enough signatures to schedule a referendum on the issue. A vote will...

Soo Tribe's commercial casino sees drop in revenue (12/18)

The commercial casino that is majority-owned by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Michigan saw a whopping 16.36 percent decline in revenues last month. The drop at the Greektown Casino, which is...

Vote sought on Eastern Cherokee casino liquor (12/17)

Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are pushing for a vote on liquor sales at the tribe's casino in North Carolina. The tribal council authorized a referendum to sell liquor at Harrah’s Cherokee...

Ex-Seminole official pleads guilty in gaming case (12/12)

A former council member for the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma pleaded guilty in a case related to the tribe's former gaming partner. Ricky Van Deer, 48, was indicted on bribery and obstruction of justice charges....

Gaming revenues see huge decline in Nevada (12/11)

Gaming revenues in Nevada took another big hit in October, the state Gaming Control Board reported. Gross casino revenue fell 22.3 percent compared to October 2007. In Las Vegas, which generates more than half the...

Fort Sill Apache Tribe defends New Mexico giveaway (12/08)

The Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma says a giveaway at its disputed gaming facility complies with New Mexico law. The tribe awarded a vehicle at the Apache Homelands Casino last month. The state contends...

WaPo: Internet gaming, with a Mohawk connection (12/01)

Join the Washinton Post author for a discussion about Internet gaming at 1pm ET. "At first glance, Joe Norton and the Kahnawake might seem like surprising players to control a large share of the...

Indian gaming coming closer to commercial gaming (11/21)

The Indian gaming industry could soon outgrow the commercial gaming one, experts said at the Global Gaming Expo this week. Tribal facilities took in $26 billion last year, compared to $36 billion for commercial gaming....

Meskwaki Tribe starts serving liquor at casino (11/17)

The Meskwaki Tribe of Iowa began serving liquor at its casino over the weekend. Sales are limited to the gaming floor and the restaurant at the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel. No liquor is allowed...

Rep. Cole eager for Obama's nominees at NIGC (11/14)

Rep. Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) supported John McCain in the 2008 election but the only Native American in Congress is eager for president-elect Barack Obama to appoint new members of the National Indian Gaming Commission. Cole...

Ex-NFL lobbyist works on Internet gaming rules (11/12)

A former lobbyist for the National Football League is now working at the White House on last-minute regulations to limit Internet gaming. William Wichterman and his associates at the Covington & Burling firm were paid...

Gaming regulator slams California for new rules (10/21)

A tribal gaming regulator accused the state of California of trying to take control of tribal casinos by imposing rules for minimum internal control standards. Michael Lombardi, the chairman of the gaming commission for the...

California panel adopts MICS over tribal objections (10/15)

The California Gambling Control Commission voted unanimously to adopt minimum internal control standards at tribal facilities. Tribes oppose the agency's regulations. They say Class III standards should be included in the tribal-state compact. The state...

Man charged with theft from Yankton Sioux casino (10/15)

A former employee was charged with stealing from the casino owned by the Yankton Sioux Tribe of South Dakota. Aaron Abdo was indicted in federal court for stealing less than $1,000 from the Fort Randall...

Soo Tribe seeks buyer for troubled Detroit casin (10/09)

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is trying to find a buyer for the troubled Greektown Casino in Detroit, Michigan. The tribe owns a majority stake in the commercial facility, which is...

Gaming Guru: Tribal casino regulation in Michigan (10/01)

"Everyone is aware of the strict guidelines and operating procedures to which state-regulated casinos are held. But who sets the standards and controls for Native American properties? Casinos such as Four Winds Casino Resort...

NYT: Sen. McCain and ties to gambling industry (09/28)

"Senator John McCain was on a roll. In a room reserved for high-stakes gamblers at the Foxwoods Resort Casino in Connecticut, he tossed $100 chips around a hot craps table. When the marathon session...

Seneca Nation gaming official resigns amid probe (09/23)

A gaming official with the Seneca Nation of New York resigned before he could be fired by the tribal council. Bergal Mitchell III, the former vice chairman of the Seneca Gaming Corporation, has been linked...

Seneca gaming official under federal investigation (09/19)

The board of directors for the Seneca Nation's gaming corporation has asked its vice chairman to step down after being linked to a federal investigation. But Bergal Mitchell III of the Seneca Gaming Corporation is...

Eastern Cherokee council delays action on alcohol (09/05)

The tribal council of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians delayed action on a controversial issue: alcohol at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. On August 7, the council approved a referendum to ask voters about...

Eastern Cherokee chief vetoes vote on alcohol at casino (09/03)

The leader of the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians in North Carolina says liquor should remain illegal on the reservation. The tribal council authorized a referendum to sell liquor at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. But...

BIA extends comment period on compact regulation (09/02)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has extended the comment period on a proposed regulation to address review and approval of tribal-state gaming compacts. Comments are being accepted until September 22, according to a notice published...

NIGC seeks more comment on proposed regulation (08/20)

The National Indian Gaming Commission has extended the comment period on a regulation under development. The proposed regulation seeks to define the meaning of "sole proprietary interest” under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The law...

Non-Indian racetrack in Oklahoma may be sold (08/15)

A non-Indian racetrack in Oklahoma that claims it will be hurt by a proposed off-reservation casino might be sold. Remington Park is doing well, according to executives, but its parent company isn't. So Magna Entertainment...

Eastern Cherokee per caps peak at $9,300 (08/14)

Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians receive a share of casino profits but the per capita payments have peaked at around $9,300, The Smoky Mountain News reports. The yearly payment isn't expected to...

Sycuan Band's liquor license sees opposition (08/12)

The Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians faces opposition to its application to serve liquor at the Sycuan Resort The tribe is the only one in San Diego County without a liquor license. A prior application...

Eastern Cherokees set vote on alcohol at casino (08/08)

Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will get to vote on alcohol sales at the tribe's casino. Alcohol sales at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino could increase revenue. But some say liquor will lead to...

Tigua Tribe and state spar in court over gaming (07/31)

The Tigua Tribe and the state of Texas were in court on Wednesday over gaming-like activities occurring on the reservation. The state forced the tribe to shut down its casino in early 2002. The...

Fort Sill Apache Tribe not worried about new rules (07/28)

The Fort Sill Apache Tribe of Oklahoma says new gaming rules won't apply to its casino site in southern New Mexico and the Bureau of Indian Affairs agrees. The rules apply to land acquired after...

Sycuan Band applies for liquor license at casino (07/28)

The Sycuan Band of Kumeyaay Indians has applied for a license to serve liquor at its casino in southern California. The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control rejected the tribe's first license in 1993. Opponents were...

Eastern Cherokees weigh liquor sales at casino (07/18)

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is considering a request to sell liquor at the tribe's North Carolina casino. The Tribal Casino Gaming Enterprise Board says liquor at the Harrah's Cherokee Casino could boost revenues....

BIA rule restricts off-reservation gaming (07/18)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has published a regulation that makes it harder to acquire land for off-reservation casinos. The rule implements Section 20 of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. The section bars casinos on...

Kickapoo Tribe fires two gaming commissioners (07/16)

The Kickapoo Tribe of Kansas has removed two members from its gaming commission. Fred Thomas and Nancy Bear were removed earlier this week. No reason was given. The commission has three members. Get the Story:...

BIA delays effective date of Section 20 rules (06/24)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has delayed the effective date of its controversial Section 20 gaming regulations. The rules were supposed to go into effect on June 19. But in a notice being published in...

Wyandotte Nation won't ban smoking at casino (06/12)

The Wyandotte Nation of Oklahoma has no plans to ban smoking on the gaming floor at its casino in Kansas City, Kansas. The tribe has an agreement with local governments to abide by local...

Teens charged in theft of Seminole winnings (06/11)

Three teens have been charged for stealing $24,000 in winnings from a casino owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. Authorities said the 18-year-olds robbed two college students who won the money at a poker...

Chickasaw Nation names gaming commissioner (06/10)

The Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma named an interim commissioner for its gaming operation. Matthew L. Morgan is a tribal member. He has worked as in-house legal counsel and policy adviser to the tribe and sits...

NIGC withdraws controversial Class II regulations (06/06)

The National Indian Gaming Commission has withdrawn two controversial regulations that would have cost tribes more than $1 billion in revenues, Chairman Phil Hogen said on Thursday. Hogen spoke at the Oklahoma Sovereignty Symposium about...

Soo Tribe expects $15.9M loss at commercial casino (06/06)

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians won approval from theMichigan Gaming Control Board to restructure the debt at its commercial casino in Detroit. The tribe has secured a $51.3 million loan to...

Lawsuit filed over liquor at Michigan tribal casinos (06/05)

A lawsuit in Michigan state court seeks to force tribes to obtain liquor license at their casinos. Patrick Devlin, a former employee of the Michigan Gaming Control Board, said the tribes have to follow state...

Dry Creek Rancheria serving liquor at casino (06/03)

The Dry Creek Band of Pomo Indians can finally serve liquor at the River Rock Casino. Officials in Sonoma County, California, opposed the tribe's application for a liquor license. Opposition was dropped after the...

One tribe lowers gambling age, another raises it (06/02)

The Meskwaki Tribe of Iowa has lowered its gambling age to 18 while the Kalispel Tribe of Washington has raised it to 21. As of June 1, the Meskwakis allow 18-year-olds to play poker games...

Oregon city negotiates agreement for casino (05/28)

The Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians and the city of Florence, Oregon, are finalizing an agreement for police services at the Three Rivers Casino. The casino is located on a 98-acre...

Effect of Section 20 rules on Warm Springs debated (05/23)

The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs of Oregon don't think the new Section 20 rules will affect an off-reservation casino project. The tribes are pursuing a casino under the two-part determination process of Section 20...

Meskwaki Tribe gets ready for under-21 gamblers (05/21)

The Meskwaki Tribe is getting ready to welcome a younger set of gamblers to the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel in Tama, Iowa. The tribe recently lowered the gambling age to 18. The change goes into...

BIA to issue Section 20 rules for gaming acquisitions (05/19)

In one of his final actions as head of the Bureau of Indian Affairs assistant secretary Carl Artman has finalized the long-awaited Section 20 regulations for gaming on trust land acquired after 1988. The regulations...

First Nations casino in Manitoba is smoke-free (05/19)

The South Beach Casino on the Brokenhead Ojibway Nation in Manitoba went smoke free on Saturday. The facility, which is owned by seven First Nations, decided to ban smoking due to health concerns. So far,...

Oneida Nation approves new per capita payment (05/12)

Members of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin approved a new per capita payment plan. Each tribal member will receive $1,200 a year. That's up from the current $800 annual payment. Tribal members also authorized the...

Meskwaki Tribe lowers gambling age to 18 (05/09)

The Meskwaki Tribe of Iowa has lowered the gambling age for certain Class II games to 18. Young gamblers will be able to play non-house banked poker games. They will not be allowed to operate...

Mohegan partner not disclosed in Pennsylvania (05/07)

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board wasn't aware of a partnership between the Mohegan Tribe and a convicted developer, The Pocono Record reports. The tribe, based in Connecticut, and developer Dennis Troha backed an off-reservation...

Meskwaki Tribe debates per capita payments (05/01)

Members of the Meskwaki Tribe of Iowa are worried they are going to see a cut in their casino per capita payments. Each member receives about $2,000 a month, KCRG-TV reported. Tribal members fear the...

Meskwaki Tribe approves sale of liquor at casino (04/02)

Voters of the Meskwaki Tribe of Iowa approved the sale of liquor at the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel on Tuesday. Tribal members approved the liquor referendum by a 229 to 122 vote. That's a...

Meskwaki Tribe postpones vote on alcohol at casino (03/25)

The Meskwaki Tribe of Iowa has delayed a referendum to authorize liquor sales at the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel. The vote was to take place today. But due to the death of a tribal...

Ohio shuts down illegal 'Cherokee' bingo hall (03/19)

The state of Ohio shut down an illegal bingo hall that was being operated by a group called the Tallige Cherokee Nation. Scioto County sheriff's officers raided the Cherokee Bingo Hall yesterday. The state said...

Meskwaki Tribe to vote on alcohol at casino (03/18)

Members of the Meskwaki Tribe of Iowa will once again vote on a proposal to sell alcohol at the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel. Tribal leaders say sales will increase revenue at the casino. But...

Presidential candidates accept gaming dollars (03/18)

The three presidential candidates have accepted over $180,000 in campaign contributions from gaming interests, The Boston Globe reports. Citing figures from the Center for Responsive Politics, the paper said Republican Sen. John McCain of Arizona...

Connecticut AG cites authority over tribal casinos (03/14)

Connecticut attorney general Richard Blumenthal says the state Legislature has the authority to ban smoking at tribal casinos. In a formal opinion, Blumenthal says the tribes, through their Class III gaming compact, agreed to abide...

Ex-Seminole council member indicted for bribery (03/13)

A former council member for the Seminole Nation of Oklahoma was indicted on federal bribery charges on Wednesday. Ricky Van Deer, 48, is accused of taking $44,100 in bribes from Ivy Ong, the tribe's former...

Canada seeks to shut Mohawk online gaming sites (03/05)

The Canadian government says it will shut down hundreds of Internet gaming sites that are licensed by the Kahnawake First Nation in Quebec. Mohawk Internet Technologies, a company based on the reserve, hosts the 400...

Saginaw Chippewa Tribe criticizes union effort (03/03)

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan is accusing a labor union of manipulating employees at the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort. The International Union Security Police & Fire Professionals of America sought an election...

Union behind smoking ban at Connecticut casinos (02/29)

The United Auto Workers union is behind legislation that would ban smoking at tribal casinos in Connecticut. The union recently organized among card dealers at the casino owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation. The...

Union won't drop Saginaw Chippewa effort (02/22)

A labor union says it will move forward with efforts to organize security guards at the casino owned by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan. The International Union Security Police & Fire Professionals of...

Oklahoma tribes assail Class II regulations (02/21)

INDIANZ.COM LISTENING LOUNGE House Natural Resources Committee field hearing in Miami, Oklahoma. February 20, 2008 • Opening Statements Panel 1 - Testimony | Q&A Norm DesRosiers, Vice Chairman, National Indian Gaming CommissionPanel 2 -...

House hearing on Class II rules in Oklahoma (02/21)

The House Natural Resources Committee held a field hearing in Miami, Oklahoma, on Wednesday to discuss pending National Indian Gaming Commission regulations. Rep. Dan Boren (D-Oklahoma) chaired the hearing Rep. Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma), a member...

Witness list for House field hearing in Oklahoma (02/19)

The House Natural Resources Committee is holding a field hearing in Miami, Oklahoma, tomorrow to discuss pending National Indian Gaming Commission regulations. The hearing takes place at 8:30am in the Student Ballroom at Northeastern Oklahoma...

Saginaw Chippewa casino workers drop union bid (02/19)

Security guards at the casino owned by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan have dropped efforts to unionize. The International Union Security Police & Fire Professionals of America petitioned the National Labor Relations Board for...

NLRB opens hearing into Pequot union challenge (01/16)

The National Labor Relations Board opened a hearing on Tuesday to determine whether a union can organize at the casino owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut. The NLRB allowed the United...

Crane collapse at Snoqualmie casino injures man (01/15)

A man reportedly suffered minor injuries on Monday morning after a 120-ton crane collapsed at the construction site of the Snoqualmie Tribe's casino in Washington. The accident occurred as the crane was hoisting structural...

Colorado smoking ban won't apply to tribal casinos (01/07)

Casinos in Colorado went smoke-free last Tuesday but not the ones on reservations. The state's laws do not apply in Indian Country. That means the casinos owned by the Southern Ute Tribe and the Ute...