Bill seeks to expand gaming for Montana's tribes

Tuesday, February 13, 2007  

Rep. Joey Jayne, a Democrat who represents the Flathead Reservation, is sponsoring a bill that would authorize tribes to offer more forms of Class III gaming.

The bill would legalize slot machines, roulette and blackjack. Jayne said it will help tribes become more self-sufficient.

Jami Hamel of the Montana Tribal Gaming Association testified in favor of the measure on Monday. "It's a sad state when the First Peoples of this nation have to go and in essence beg for funding for our people," Hamel told the House Business and Labor Committee, The Great Falls Tribune reported.

Opponents included an anti-pornography crusader and the Montana Values Alliance.

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Bill calls for expansion of reservation gaming (The Great Falls Tribune 2/13)