Lawmakers at the state and federal level are concerned about off-reservation gaming, with much of the controversy coming from California.
Voters in the state approved tribal gaming in 2000 but lawmakers say off-reservation casinos weren't envisioned at the time. But several tribes in the state are seeking casinos far away from their existing land bases. Sens. John McCain (R-Arizona), the chairman of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, has held several hearings on the subject and is considering legislation. Rep. Richard Pombo (R-California), the chairman of the House Resources Committee, has submitted a draft bill that would limit off-reservation casinos. At the state level, some lawmakers are calling for a bar to off-reservation casinos. One proposal, by the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians, was derailed in the State Legislature earlier this year. Get the Story: