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THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 2003

Lawmakers in Alaska are considering a bill to legalize video gambling machines. But tribes won't be able to take advantage and open up casinos, The Anchorage Daily News reports.

Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, gaming can only occur on "Indian land" subject to tribal government control. In Alaska, sastisfying those requirements is difficult due to the Venetie Supreme Court decision which said Indian Country does not exist in the state.

The exception is the Metlakatla Reservation and, potentially, Alaska Native allotments and other Native lands that were not covered by the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act.

Get the Story:
Tribal casinos face long odds, history suggests (The Anchorage Daily News 4/17)
Gambling's benefits, ills to be debated (The Anchorage Daily News 4/17)
House panel debates gaming proposals (The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner 4/16)

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Stevens files Alaska Native gaming rider (01/24)