Senate Indian Affairs Committee considers Internet gambling

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Legislation
Senate Indian Affairs Committee considers Internet gambling
Friday, November 18, 2011

112th

harry reid

internet

jon kyl

scia

senate

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing on Thursday to consider tribal perspectives on Internet gaming.

Tribal and Indian leaders said they welcome the opportunity to expand their operations. But they said their sovereignty, their Class III gaming compacts and their rights under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act should be respected.

“Any federal legislation authorizing Internet gaming must ensure that Indian Country can protect and preserve the gains tribal nations have made under IGRA, while at the same time allowing us the opportunity to compete on a fair and level playing field with other gaming interests in any legalized Internet Gaming market,” Bruce Bozsum, the chairman of the Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut, told the committee.

Tribes need to be consulted about any changes to existing law, the committee was told. And if tribes offer Internet gaming, it should not be subject to taxation by other governments, witnesses said.

Bills to legalize Internet poker have been introduced in the House. Tribes have been critical of those efforts, citing a lack of consultation and concerns about sovereignty.

In the Senate, Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nevada), the majority leader, and Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Arizona), the Republican whip, are the key players on Internet gaming, Vegas Inc reported. Reid has typically supported Nevada gaming interests while Kyl, who is retiring, recently dropped his opposition to Internet gaming.