The state of Minnesota is questioning the legality of gaming devices being operated on the White Earth Ojibwe Reservation.

The tribe has allowed the machines to be placed at bars and private clubs on the reservation. The tribe says they are Class II devices but the state contends they look too much like slot machines, Class III devices that would fall under the tribal-state compact.

The state is also questioning whether the machines can be offered on privately-held land within reservation borders. The National Indian Gaming Commission concluded last year that the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act allows gaming on any site within reservation borders regardless of trust or ownership status [Indianz.Com: NIGC adopts new approach for tribal gaming sites].

The tribe met with state officials, the NIGC and the U.S. Attorney's Office in Minnesota to discuss the issue. NIGC Chairman Phil Hogen supported the tribe's right to offer the machines, White Earth Chairwoman Erma Vizenor said.

Get the Story:
GAMING: Tribe clashes to keep video bingo State challenges legality of White Earth Band's games (The St. Paul Pioneer Press 2/24)