Tribes told to prepare for Internet gaming at NCAI convention

Wednesday, October 24, 2012  

Internet gaming was a hot topic at the National Congress of American Indian 69th annual conference in Sacramento, California.

A panel discussion on Tuesday addressed the controversial issue. Although no bills have passed at the federal level, tribes were told to prepare for action in the near future.

"We think it’s absolutely critical we get it right the first time,” Mark Macarro, the chairman of the Pechanga Band of Luiseno Indians, The Riverside Press-Enterprise reported. “Tribes need to be prepared to address the impacts of Internet gaming.”

The Senate Indian Affairs Committee has included tribes in a discussion about Internet gaming. But Sen. Harry Reid (D-Nevada), the Senate majority leader, and Sen. Jon Kyl (R-Arizona), the Senate minority whip, who are said to be drafting a comprehensive package, haven't reached out to Indian Country.

“Yes, internet gaming is coming. But we also want it to be fair,” observed Jason Giles, the executive director of the National Indian Gaming Association, the Press-Enterprise reported.

“Yes, internet gaming is coming. But we also want it to be fair,”

Get the Story:
ONLINE GAMING: Tribal leaders warily watch legislation (The Riverside Press-Enterprise 10/24)