Tribes are slowly warming up to legislation that would repeal the federal government's ban on sports betting, according to Legal Sports Report.
Rep. Frank Pallone (D-New Jersey), who has been an ally to tribes on economic development, health care and other initiatives, is drafting the bill, Dave Palermo reported. Sources said the measure, which has not yet been introduced, will recognize tribal authority and recognize that sports betting impacts existing tribal rights. “His draft bill goes a long way toward what tribes could support,” an unnamed tribal official told Palermo. The Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act bans sports betting except in a small number of states. The commercial gaming industry, through the American Sports Betting Coalition, supports a repeal of the law. The National Indian Gaming Association joined the coalition to ensure tribes are at the table but the organization, which represents the majority of tribes with casinos, does not officially have a position on sports betting. Read More on the Story: