AP predicts rise in off-reservation gaming projects

Wednesday, November 25, 2009  

The Associated Press says off-reservation gaming proposals might "accelerate" under the Obama administration although only one tribe has submitted a new application in recent months.

The Bush administration rejected nearly a dozen projects in January 2008 after adopting a policy that makes it nearly impossible for tribes to acquire land away from existing reservations. Some of the rejected tribes have continued to press their case with the Obama administration in hopes of reversing the policy.

But other than the Tohono O'odham Nation of Arizona, few new off-reservation casinos are in the works. Some of the projects mentioned by the AP -- including the Guidiville Band of Pomo Indians of California, the Hannahville Indian Community of Michigan, the Cowlitz Tribe of Washington and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs Reservation in Oregon -- have been pending for several years.

"These are all casinos coming to a highway ramp near you," Cheryl Schmit of Stand Up For California told the AP.

Get the Story:
Off-reservation Indian casinos raises concerns (AP 11/25)

Off-Reservation Gaming Policy:
Guidance on taking off-reservation land into trust for gaming purposes (January 3, 2008)

BIA Letters:
Big Lagoon Rancheria | Chemehuevi Tribe | Hannahville Indian Community | Jemez Pueblo | Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa | Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeño Indians | Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians | St. Regis Mohawk Tribe | Stockbridge Munsee Band of Mohican Indians | Seneca-Cayuga Tribe | United Keetoowah Band of Cherokee Indians | Other January 4 Tribes