Alaska casino raises questions about tribal gaming

Thursday, April 8, 2004  

A proposed tribal casino in Anchorage, Alaska, has some lawmakers worried about the possibility of tribes entering the gaming market.

Perry Green, a poker star, convinced the House Finance Committee to introduce a gaming bill. He wants to convert an failed state-owned seafood plant into a casino.

Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, tribes can game on "Indian" lands over which they exercise jurisdiction. But due to a 1998 Supreme Court decision, there is a question whether tribes in Alaska have jurisdiction over certain lands.

Rep. John Harris, the main Republican sponsor of the bill, said he has to study the issue. At least one Alaska tribe has asked the National Indian Gaming Commission for authority to offer some type of gaming.

Get the Story:
Poker player deals state House in on casino bill (The Anchorage Daily News 4/6)