The Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing on Thursday to discuss Internet gaming.
Last year, the Department of Justice released an opinion that appeared to clear the way for states to offer all forms of gaming online, with the exception of sports betting. If that's the case, then tribes would entitled to the same types of gaming. But Seneca Nation President Robert Odawi Porter said the state of New York is already trying to go online without respecting tribal rights. He also said big gaming interests from Nevada and New Jersey also want to influence Congress to pass Internet legislation that doesn't take tribes into account. "Our treaty rights to conduct commerce -- from our land, on our own terms, and without restraint by any outside power -- must be respected and honored. That must apply to both over-the-counter trade and internet commerce like internet gaming," Porter said in his written testimony. Other witnesses said Congress should ensure that tribes are protected. Without federal regulation of Internet gaming, states could erode the gains of the $26 billion Indian gaming industry, they testified. Get the Story: