Indian Gaming Legislation

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Sault Ste. Marie Tribe wins major victory in homelands litigation

The Trump administration's disjointed tribal homelands policy continues to crumble amid scrutiny in the courts and in Indian Country.

Posted: March 6, 2020

Tribes at odds with governor over expansion of gaming in Connecticut

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe want to expand gaming in Connecticut but the governor is backing rival legislation that could undermine their rights.

Posted: March 3, 2020

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe loses appeal in homelands case

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe isn't giving up despite a negative ruling from a federal appeals court.

Posted: March 2, 2020

Alabama-Coushatta Tribe turns to Congress after hitting end of road at Supreme Court

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe won't be able to argue for its gaming rights at the nation's highest court.

Posted: January 27, 2020

Tribes join race for commercial casino in Virginia

Two Indian nations are looking to land a commercial casino in Virginia while a third keeps its options open after recently gaining federal recognition.

Posted: January 8, 2020

Pamunkey Tribe asserts rights after release of gaming study

A new gaming study is warning of the pitfalls of awarding exclusive casino licenses to tribal nations.

Posted: November 25, 2019

Poarch Band of Creek Indians offers billions of dollars in gaming revenues

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is promising to keep 'Winning for Alabama' with a campaign for a Class III gaming compact.

Posted: November 13, 2019

Tribes take a hit as gamblers in North Dakota turn to electronic pull tabs

At least two tribes have seen a decline in revenues now that non-Indian pull tab operations are up and running in North Dakota.

Posted: September 16, 2019

Bill Graham: Catawba Nation deserves 'fair shake' under federal law

The Catawba Nation is trying to open a casino in North Carolina and is turning to Congress for some help.

Posted: August 29, 2019

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians prepares to offer sports betting

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is moving quickly in the wake of a new sports betting law in North Carolina.

Posted: July 29, 2019

Tribes in Texas take a big step forward for their inherent sovereignty

A bill recognizing the inherent rights of two tribes in Texas is slated for passage in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Posted: July 24, 2019

Meskwaki Nation supports state jurisdiction over non-Indians at casino

The Iowa Supreme Court heard arguments in a case that arose from an incident at the casino owned by the Meskwaki Nation.

Posted: July 12, 2019

Virginia enters new era with gaming devices resembling slot machines

Non-Indian facilities in Virginia are now offering bets on 'historical' horse races -- on devices that look and feel a lot like slot machines.

Posted: July 8, 2019

House committee advances bill recognizing sovereign rights of tribes in Texas

A bipartisan bill placing two tribes in Texas on the same footing as just about every other Indian nation when it comes to gaming is moving forward.

Posted: June 21, 2019

'Meanspirited': Eastern Cherokee chief responds to attack on his people

Senator Richard Burr should apologize for his false and harsh comments and withdraw the flawed legislation that he’s championing.

Posted: June 20, 2019

Republican U.S. Senator blasts Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians for 'bullying'

A sitting U.S. Senator is accusing North Carolina's most prominent tribe of hypocrisy and greed.

Posted: June 19, 2019

Mohegan Tribe continues to expand gaming footprint around the globe

The Mohegan Tribe has expanded its gaming and entertainment portfolio to Canada amid ongoing efforts closer to home.

Posted: June 12, 2019

Open Secrets: Lobbyists rely on Trump administration to block tribal projects

Non-Indian interests have hired lobbyists close to President Donald Trump in hopes of derailing tribes. The strategy appears to be working.

Posted: May 23, 2019

Catawba Nation continues to see opposition to casino on homelands

From religious groups to a rival tribe, the Catawba Nation is facing hurdles as it pursues a casino in North Carolina.

Posted: May 21, 2019

Pauma Band hits end of the line with labor sovereignty case

It wasn't all good news from the U.S. Supreme Court as the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians was turned away in a closely-watched labor sovereignty case.

Posted: May 20, 2019

Catawba Nation asks Congress to fulfill promise in land claim settlement

The Catawba Nation is still seeking a brighter future, nearly three decades after settling its land claim against the United States.

Posted: May 3, 2019

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe welcomes movement on bill to protect homelands

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is seeing progress on a bill to protect its reservation from being taken out of trust.

Posted: May 2, 2019

Catawba Nation homelands bill slated for first hearing on Capitol Hill

The Senate Committee on Indian Affairs will take testimony on a bill that paves the way for a Catawba Nation casino in North Carolina.

Posted: April 22, 2019

New Interior leader had 'absolutely nothing to do with' stalled tribal casino

David Bernhardt gets credit for doing a lot at the Department of the Interior. Except when it might get him into trouble.

Posted: April 17, 2019

Sports betting moves slowly amid concerns from tribes in several states

A landmark Supreme Court decision opened the door for states to offer sports betting but only a handful have done so amid concerns in Indian Country.

Posted: April 9, 2019

Catawba Nation faces more opposition to homelands bill thanks to Eastern Cherokees

Two tribes continue to battle about who has the right to engage in gaming in North Carolina.

Posted: April 3, 2019

Tribes once again ask Maine for approval to join the gaming industry

Non-Indian gaming operators in Maine don't want tribes taking away their business.

Posted: March 28, 2019

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe awaits action on bill to keep reservation in trust

A bill to protect the homelands of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe continues to generate controversy on Capitol Hill.

Posted: March 28, 2019

Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians support sports betting bill

A bill that opens the door for sports betting on tribal lands saw its first hearing in North Carolina.

Posted: March 27, 2019

Virginia gaming study bill becomes law as new betting machines arrive

The state of Virginia has entered a new era, one in which the Pamunkey Tribe might open a casino.

Posted: March 25, 2019

Democrats plan to vote against homelands bill for Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

A bill to protect the homelands of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is facing opposition from Rhode Island's delegation in Congress.

Posted: March 25, 2019

Lawmakers in New York consider yet another expansion of non-Indian gaming

Non-Indian developers are waving big dollar signs in front of lawmakers in New York.

Posted: March 20, 2019

Catawba Nation predicts 'huge' economic impact with casino on homelands

Chief Bill Harris says a casino would be a 'game changer' for the Catawba Nation.

Posted: March 20, 2019

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe welcomes movement on bill to keep reservation in trust

The federal government hasn't taken a tribe's trust land out of trust since the termination era but it could happen in the Trump administration.

Posted: March 19, 2019

'Sad': Catawba Nation fires back after Eastern Cherokees slam homelands bill

A war is erupting between the Catawba Nation and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians over plans for a casino.

Posted: March 18, 2019

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe no longer being financed by backer of stalled casino

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe continues to see setbacks as it battles the Trump administration in court.

Posted: March 4, 2019

Cronkite News: Sports betting bill advances over tribal opposition

Except for the Navajo Nation, tribes in Arizona are opposing a bill to authorize sports betting in the state.

Posted: February 27, 2019

Non-Indian casino opposed by tribes suffers setback in South Dakota

Indian lawmakers in South Dakota helped sink a gaming development opposed by tribes in two states.

Posted: February 26, 2019

Pamunkey Tribe stands to gain with historic action on gaming in Virginia

Virginia's political world was rocked by scandals at the highest levels of government but lawmakers managed to pass a gaming bill.

Posted: February 25, 2019

Stephanie Bryan: Poarch Band of Creek Indians supports statewide vote on gaming

Will 2019 finally be the year of the lottery in Alabama? The Poarch Band of Creek Indians wants to know.

Posted: February 25, 2019

Cronkite News: Betting on your favorite teams still on hold in Arizona

Ten months after the U.S. Supreme Court cleared a path for states to allow gambling on sporting events, a movement is underway to allow Arizonans to wager on their favorite teams.

Posted: February 20, 2019

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe faces new obstacle in bid to protect homelands

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is facing a familiar foe as it seeks to prevent its reservation from being taken out of trust by the Trump administration.

Posted: February 18, 2019

Bill authorizes sports betting at tribal casinos in Washington

A landmark Supreme Court decision opened the door to sports betting in Indian Country.

Posted: February 18, 2019

Cronkite News: Debate on sports betting bill delayed in Arizona

Sports betting might be coming soon to Arizona but the wait will be a little longer than expected.

Posted: February 11, 2019

Tribes weigh in on efforts to legalize sports betting in South Dakota

Tribes and Indian lawmakers are taking a stand on sports betting in South Dakota.

Posted: February 7, 2019

Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act rears its controversial head again

A bill to exempt tribes and their casinos from federal labor law continues to draw support Indian Country but the political landscape has changed.

Posted: January 29, 2019

Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe asserts role in gaming talks in Massachusetts

The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe wants to be at the table as regulators in Massachusetts address the future of gaming.

Posted: January 28, 2019

'Tribal Winds': Long-delayed gaming project back on the agenda in Connecticut

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe are renewing efforts to open a casino that has been stalled by the Trump administration.

Posted: January 28, 2019

Bill in Arizona restricts sports betting to tribal gaming facilities

Are Republicans in Arizona setting the groundwork to extract more gaming revenues from tribes?

Posted: January 24, 2019

Pamunkey Tribe clears first hurdle with bill to authorize casino under state law

The Pamunkey Tribe is seeing initial success with efforts to open a casino in Virginia.

Posted: January 21, 2019

Pamunkey Tribe willing to operate gaming facility under state law

Facing a long wait for a casino in the federal system, the Pamunkey Tribe is opening the door to other gaming options.

Posted: January 16, 2019

'Like dropping a bomb': Nansemond Indian Nation bashes another tribe's casino plan

The newly recognized Nansemond Indian Nation isn't happy about another tribe's plan for a casino in Virginia.

Posted: January 14, 2019

Democrats opposed bill to protect homelands of Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe

Democrats from Rhode Island are making it clear that they do not #StandWithMashpee or with a tribe in their own backyard.

Posted: January 11, 2019

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe welcomes introduction of homelands legislation

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is in danger of seeing its homelands taken out of trust for the first time since the termination era.

Posted: January 9, 2019

Tribes see decline in revenues as new casino remains in limbo

When it comes to gaming, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe didn't have such a great 2018.

Posted: January 7, 2019

Tribes welcome bill to advance casino stalled by Trump administration

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe are tired of waiting on the Trump administration.

Posted: December 13, 2018

Houlton Band withdraws from Maine Legislature amid inaction on gaming

Tribal-state relations continue to erode in Maine.

Posted: November 27, 2018

Seminole Tribe claims victory in costly campaign to protect gaming enterprise

It cost nearly $25 million but the Seminole Tribe has emerged victorious with its campaign to limit non-Indian gaming in Florida.

Posted: November 6, 2018

'It's the wave of the future': Sports betting in Indian Country

A landmark Supreme Court decision opened the door for tribes and states to offer wagers on sports.

Posted: September 26, 2018

Poarch Band of Creek Indians open to lottery in Alabama

Will the Poarch Band of Creek Indians be able to offer Class II games if the lottery becomes legal in Alabama?

Posted: September 24, 2018

Tribes might finally get some help with gaming efforts in Maine

Thirty years after the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, some tribes are still being left behind.

Posted: September 17, 2018

Trump administration supports sovereignty for tribes in Texas

Two tribes whose casinos are being threatened with closure are getting a big assist from Washington.

Posted: September 14, 2018

Tribes once again ask Congress to recognize sovereign rights in Texas

The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe and the Tigua Tribe are being denied rights most others in Indian Country take for granted.

Posted: September 10, 2018

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe faces opposition to homelands legislation

Politicians from Rhode Island are lining up against the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe.

Posted: September 5, 2018

Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe lands big partner for gaming project

Though plans remain in development, the Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe is serious about Indian gaming.

Posted: August 22, 2018

Lytton Band agrees to permanent ban on gaming as homelands bill awaits action

The Lytton Band of Pomo Indians has agreed to a permanent ban on gaming on any land acquired in Sonoma County in California.

Posted: August 8, 2018

Tribes wait for approval to offer new games at casinos in Oklahoma

Roulette and craps are coming to tribal casinos in Oklahoma.

Posted: August 6, 2018

Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe still working on casino after court victory

The Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe hasn't opened a casino this summer as planned but gaming is still on the agenda.

Posted: July 20, 2018

'On the road to recovery': Sports betting raises concerns about addiction

An estimated 9 million Americans suffer from gambling addiction.

Posted: July 13, 2018

An expansion of gaming looms in South Dakota over tribal concerns

Backers of Port Yankton, a proposed gambling and entertainment complex, are betting they can gather the necessary signatures from South Dakota voters to place the issue on the 2020 ballot.

Posted: June 6, 2018

Delaware becomes first state with sports betting after Supreme Court ruling

Delaware became the first state to offer sports betting after a andmark decision from the Supreme Court. Are tribes next?

Posted: June 6, 2018

Miccosukee Tribe 'disappointed' by ruling on taxation of gaming per caps

Citizens of the Miccosukee Tribe must pay taxes on their shares of gaming revenues, a federal appeals court ruled in a big ticket case.

Posted: June 5, 2018

Cronkite News: Media prepares for a new era with sports betting

The Supreme Court’s surprise sports betting decision not only raises questions about state legalization but also how the ruling will impact the creation and consumption of sports content.

Posted: May 30, 2018

Stateline: Problem gambling a concern as sports betting fever spreads

Oklahoma’s 128 tribal casinos host 46 million visits and rake in $4.5 billion a year – but there isn’t a single billboard in the state that tells problem gamblers where they can find help.

Posted: May 29, 2018

Connecticut governor seeks to negotiate sports betting with tribes

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe could be on the road to sports betting soon in Connecticut.

Posted: May 22, 2018

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe gains local support for homelands legislation

After seeing some initial opposition, the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe has gained local support for a bill to protect its homelands in Massachusetts.

Posted: May 22, 2018

Tribes seek a seat at table as states look into sports betting

With a landmark Supreme Court decision on the books, tribes from California to Connecticut want to be at the table when it comes to sports betting.

Posted: May 21, 2018

Tribes continue to weigh impact of Supreme Court ruling on sports betting

Tribes are welcoming the opportunity to engage in sports betting following a landmark U.S. Supreme Court decision.

Posted: May 18, 2018

Supreme Court opens the door for sports betting for states and for tribes

It's time to prepare for a new era as tribes and states enter the sports betting industry.

Posted: May 14, 2018

Pamunkey Tribe pushes for casino as Virginia opens door to new machines

Good timing, and some luck, may be on the side of the Pamunkey Tribe as it pursues a casino in Virginia.

Posted: May 7, 2018

Tribes and sovereignty still don't mix when it comes to labor laws

Efforts by Indian Country to assert sovereignty over labor laws are failing in the courts, not just in the halls of Congress.

Posted: May 4, 2018

Cronkite News: Supreme Court decision could open doors to legalized sports betting

At the end of a bar sits a man with a distinct 5 o’clock shadow. He is glued to a TV showing a meaningless NBA game featuring the Phoenix Suns and Charlotte Hornets.

Posted: May 2, 2018

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe faces local questions about homelands bill

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is seeing support in the nation's capital for a bill to protect its homelands but the situation looks a little different back home.

Posted: April 24, 2018

Comanche Nation citizens warned of big hit from rival Chickasaw Nation casino

The Comanche Nation is expecting a 25 percent decline in revenues at one of its gaming facilities, and tribal citizens will feel the pain too.

Posted: April 23, 2018

Chickasaw Nation spends big on lobbying for Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act

The Chickasaw Nation already enjoys an exemption from federal labor law but has been spending big in order to help the rest of Indian Country.

Posted: April 17, 2018

Tribes still facing legal questions in bid for new casino in Connecticut

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe can't seem to catch a break when it comes to a new casino.

Posted: April 17, 2018

Senate places controversial Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act on schedule

All eyes are on the Senate as the chamber takes up the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act for the first time.

Posted: April 16, 2018

Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act remains in limbo without action in Senate

Tribes are reportedly 'furious' with a key Democrat as the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act remains in limbo in the 115th Congress.

Posted: April 12, 2018

Lawmakers in Maine still don't want to help tribes with gaming efforts

Maine is staying in the dark ages when it comes to Indian gaming.

Posted: April 10, 2018

Ruffey Rancheria federal recognition bill being changed amid casino fears

A bill to restore federal recognition to the Ruffey Rancheria is being amended after fears were raised about a casino.

Posted: April 9, 2018

Ruffey Rancheria federal recognition bill raises fears of another casino

A bill to restore federal recognition to the Ruffey Rancheria is raising fears of a casino and questions about the tribe's legitimacy.

Posted: April 5, 2018

Mashantucket Tribe oversees another union election for casino workers

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation is overseeing another election for casino workers who are interested in joining a labor union.

Posted: April 5, 2018

Hearing expected in Senate on Lytton Band homelands measure

A bill to place about 940 acres in trust for the Lytton Band of Pomo Indians appears to be gaining steam on Capitol Hill.

Posted: March 27, 2018

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe welcomes another bill to protect homelands

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is gaining more support on Capitol Hill as it defends its homelands and gaming plans from litigation.

Posted: March 26, 2018

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe hails bill to reaffirm status of homelands

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe is welcoming a new bill that reaffirms the trust status of its homelands in Massachusetts.

Posted: March 21, 2018

Bill authorizes ball and dice games at tribal casinos in Oklahoma

The addition of ball and dice games at tribal casinos could mean more revenues for the state of Oklahoma.

Posted: March 15, 2018

Rep. Cole seeks to add Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act to funding bill

Rep. Tom Cole (R-Oklahoma) is hoping to add the controversial Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act to a must-pass spending bill.

Posted: March 12, 2018

Tribes still planning to start work on delayed casino in Connecticut

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation and the Mohegan Tribe are almost ready to start initial work on a long-delayed casino in Connecticut.

Posted: February 28, 2018

National Congress of American Indians praises win in homelands case

The National Congress of American Indians is congratulating the Gun Lake Tribe for its victory at the U.S. Supreme Court.

Posted: February 27, 2018

Gun Lake Tribe welcomes victory as Supreme Court puts end to homelands lawsuit

The leader of the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians is hailing a decision from the nation's highest court as a victory for all of Indian Country.

Posted: February 27, 2018

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