Dennis Whittlesey: Five Indian gaming issues to watch this year

1. Internet Gaming
The late Oklahoma humorist Will Rogers once famously said of the weather: "Everyone is always talking about it, but nobody is doing anything about it." That same statement easily could be applied to I-gaming in Indian Country.

2. Off-Reservation Gaming
Off-reservation approval is not easy and has rarely been granted in IGRA's 25 years. While past Presidents have been reluctant to honor this statutory path for gaming status, the Obama Administration has been more amenable to such considerations.

3. State Renegotiations of Compacts Due to Expire
Class III tribal-state compacts are expiring in New Mexico, and the State has attempted to negotiate new compacts with provisions for revenue sharing not previously included. ... There are other states in a renegotiation mode, starting with Florida which currently is in compact talks with the Seminole Tribe, owner of the Hard Rock franchise and seven tribal casinos, including major facilities in Tampa, Hollywood, and Coconut Beach. ... Another state to watch is California.

4. Indian Gaming as Part of a Major Regulatory Reorganization of Gaming in Florida
As discussed above, the Seminole Compact negotiation is a big deal, both for Florida and Indian gaming in general. The Tribe's negotiating team will be as experienced and savvy as any in the country. Whether the State can match it will be the story of this negotiation.

5. Tribal Disenrollments for Blatantly Financial Reasons
Over the past several years, there have been a series of publicized tribal enrollment revocations of enrolled members – including former tribal leaders – and their entire families. This phenomenon is disturbingly common and apparently limited to gaming tribes that make periodic per capita payments of casino revenues to enrolled adult members.