The compact between the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and the state of Montana expires at the end of the month.

The tribe has asked for regulatory and taxation authority over all gaming that occurs on the Flathead Reservation. This includes non-Indian facilities that the state has allowed to operated.

The state has balked at the request, but has proposed to increase the number of Class III and the payouts. Non-Indian owners say they'd rather close up shop than submit to tribal jurisdiction.

Tribes can exercise broad jurisdiction on lands within the exterior boundaries of the reservation, according to the National Indian Gaming Commission's interpretation of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

Get the Story:
Gaming compact expires Nov. 30 (The Missoulian 11/19)
New kind of high-tech bingo has come to Indian casinos (The Missoulian 11/19)