Indian Gaming Opinion

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Kevin Stitt: Tribes must share more gaming revenues with Oklahoma

The Native American governor of Oklahoma took office a year ago. His relationship with tribes hasn't been the greatest.

Posted: January 27, 2020

Partnerships with Cherokee Nation, tribes are key to Oklahoma's bright future

Instead of trying to throw out our successful gaming compacts so the state can increase its revenue on the backs of tribes, our state government and the citizens of Oklahoma would be better served by embracing tribes and their successes.

Posted: December 16, 2019

Editorial: Oklahoma governor right to demand more revenues from tribes

Should tribes share more of their gaming revenues with the state of Oklahoma? One newspaper says yes.

Posted: September 3, 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

Richard Velky: Schaghticoke Tribal Nation left behind once again

When it comes to gaming, the same old tribes play the same old tune in Connecticut.

Posted: August 26, 2019

Bill John Baker: Tribal governments ensure Oklahoma’s success

Decades before statehood, tribes built Oklahoma’s first modern infrastructure and institutions.

Posted: July 25, 2019

Kimberly Teehee: The strength of Oklahoma lies in its people

Oklahoma tribes have enjoyed a cooperative relationship with the state of Oklahoma for 15 years, and our gaming compact continues to be beneficial for all Oklahomans.

Posted: July 11, 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

Mayor: Ponca Tribe brings hope to the local community with casino

The Prairie Flower Casino represents much-needed economic development on a plot of land that was previously sitting vacant.

Posted: May 21, 2019

Patrick Lambert: Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians reaches gaming milestone

It took a lot of work but the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians officially entered the Class III gaming industry on January 25, 1994.

Posted: February 4, 2019

Editorial: Don't let prejudice stand in the way of tribe

Prejudices and irrational fears from the past shouldn’t stand in the way of the Pamunkeys’ fight for a better future.

Posted: November 29, 2018

Saginaw Chippewa Tribe debuts first phase of major casino renovation

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe is debuting a high limit gaming room and VIP lounge as part of a $26.5 million renovation project.

Posted: April 4, 2018

Man from Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe accused in assault at casino

Matthew Tyler Charles, a citizen of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, is accused of assaulting a former domestic partner at his tribe's casino in Washington.

Posted: March 12, 2018

Kirsten Matoy Carlson: Trump team actually does something right for tribal lands

The Trump team is under fire for adding more hurdles to the cumbersome land-into-trust process and advancing other controversial policies that go against tribal interests. But maybe the new administration just needs more encouragement to do the right thing, professor...

Posted: December 7, 2017

Prairie Island Indian Community responds to 'racial stereotypes' in newspaper

Leaders of the Prairie Island Indian Community are responding to a recent article that once again questioned plans for newly acquired land in Minnesota.

Posted: November 1, 2017

Raymond Hitchcock: Sorry but tribal casinos aren't linked to increases in crime

The Wilton Rancheria's gaming project will not be a magnet for prostitution or human trafficking, Chairman Raymond Hitchcock writes.

Posted: October 12, 2017

Raymond Hitchcock: Wilton Rancheria makes economic investment in community

Chairman Raymond Hitchcock of the Wilton Rancheria is responding to criticism of his tribe's long-awaited casino development in northern California.

Posted: September 12, 2017

Sara Trechter: County wastes more than $600,000 battling Mechoopda Tribe casino

It's hard to believe but the Mechoopda Tribe has been trying to build a casino in California for more than 15 years.

Posted: August 10, 2017

Jim Cooper: Wilton Rancheria casino brings benefits to everyone in our community

After fighting for decades to be restored to federal recognition, the Wilton Rancheria is closer than ever to opening a casino in California.

Posted: August 10, 2017

Opinion: Tribal and state governments need to get out of gaming business

Guy C. Clark, the chairman of Stop Predatory Gambling New Mexico, has a recommendation for tribes and the state of New Mexico.

Posted: July 10, 2017

Harold Monteau: Sovereignty at risk with Nooksack Tribe dispute

A former chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission is calling for the closure of the Nooksack Tribe's casino in Washington.

Posted: June 6, 2017

Spokane Tribe on track to open casino later this year amid lawsuits

The Spokane Tribe is opening a $400 million gaming facility on ancestral territory in Washington state.

Posted: June 2, 2017

Matthew Fletcher: Expect 'uptick' in litigation after Supreme Court decision

The dust is starting to settle after the nation's highest court delivered defeat to Indian Country in a dispute that originated at a tribal casino.

Posted: May 17, 2017

Peter d'Errico: Tribes should be ready to stand up for their sovereignty

Are Native nations ready for the challenge to defend what is and isn’t tribal immunity law?

Posted: May 3, 2017

John Kane: Nothing is simple for tribes when dealing with New York

Is counting on the Seneca gaming revenue ignorance, arrogance or intimidation?

Posted: May 2, 2017

Harold Monteau: Supreme Court stirs smelly pot of fish head stew with tribal decision

The SCOTUS decision on Lewis et al. v. Clarke this week could ultimately effect the full ‘vitality’ of tribal sovereign immunity

Posted: April 28, 2017

Jenn Weddle: 'Best possible result' from Supreme Court in sovereignty case

Indian law expert: 'I don’t see that tribes or tribal employees lose any ground as a result of this opinion.'

Posted: April 26, 2017

Dwanna Robertson: Dispelling a common myth about tribal gaming

Indian gaming is a very political issue that is terribly misunderstood outside of Indian country, and I dare say, not well understood within it.

Posted: April 20, 2017

Ernie Stevens: Seneca Nation keeps commitment to its neighbors

Final payment of the Seneca Nation compact with New York has been made, but being a good neighbor to the communities is ongoing.

Posted: April 17, 2017

Stephen Bowers: The real 'Godfather of Indian gaming' passes on

Paying tribute to the late Howard E. Tommie, a former chairman of the Seminole Tribe.

Posted: April 5, 2017

Jason Salsman: Maybe tribal casinos shouldn't book Adam Sandler

‘Here Comes the (Not So) Funny Tour’

Posted: April 5, 2017

Editorial: North Dakota lawmakers right to kill non-Indian gaming bill

The Bismarck Tribune: A top Republican said the resolution wasn’t intended as payback to the tribes for the Dakota Access Pipeline protests.

Posted: March 31, 2017

John Kane: Seneca Nation money train coming to an end in New York

With the Seneca gaming compact coming to an end, will the state and local municipalities finally see the error of their ways?

Posted: March 24, 2017

Charles Banks-Altekruse: Stand up to bullying tactics of shady 'California' group

It’s time to stand up to the bullying tactics of Stand Up to California!

Posted: March 7, 2017

Raymond Hitchcock: The facts about the Wilton Rancheria's casino plan

The chairman of the Wilton Rancheria addresses criticism about the tribe's casino project in California.

Posted: February 20, 2017

Ryan Smith and Mike Smith: Off-reservation gaming in the Trump era

Tribes can gain some insight into how a Republican administration would address off-reservation gaming by looking back to the Bush administration.

Posted: January 25, 2017

Cheryl Schmidt: Public kept in the dark on Wilton Rancheria casino

A group called Stand Up for California is trying to derail the California tribe's plan.

Posted: December 14, 2016

Gabriel Ray: Scotts Valley Band working to re-establish homeland

'We are looking to re-establish a home for our people and we intend to do so as productive partners with our neighbors and our community.'

Posted: November 30, 2016

Paul Seago: Seminole Tribe prevails in gaming dispute in Florida

'To use a gambling parlance – the state busted.'

Posted: November 29, 2016

Matthew Fletcher: Supreme Court case poses new risks to tribes

The Supreme Court is scheduled to hear a case that will rule on the the limits of legal immunity of tribes and their employees.

Posted: November 14, 2016

Jason Pack: Donald Trump would run America like his failed casinos

'Donald Trump's background as a bully of the casino lobby provides a shockingly accurate picture of how he is likely to govern.'

Posted: November 7, 2016

Randy Noka: Racism at play with anti-tribal votes in Rhode Island

Why are non-Indian interests in Rhode Island asking voters to approve yet another casino while the Narragansett Tribe has been repeatedly denied the same opportunity?

Posted: November 4, 2016

Steve Haycox: Let's hope Indian gaming doesn't come to Alaska

'It's pretty difficult to drive anywhere in America today without seeing an Indian gaming casino.'

Posted: October 7, 2016

Editorial: Oglala Sioux Tribe keeps members in the dark on gaming

How well or how bad are the two casinos owned by the Oglala Sioux Tribe doing?

Posted: September 30, 2016

Rodney Butler and Kevin Brown: Tribes committed to new casino in Connecticut

'Working together, we can safeguard our state's economy and protect hardworking families all across Connecticut.'

Posted: September 26, 2016

Nick Sortal: Miccosukee Tribe loses $1B bet on gaming per capitas

The steadfastly independent Miccosukee Tribe is finally approaching a day of reckoning: paying up on $1 billion in taxes that tribal members have dodged for decades.

Posted: September 6, 2016

Brenda Meade: Coquille Tribe remains patient in quest for casino

All we want is a chance to engage in good-old American competition. Federal law gives us that right.

Posted: September 5, 2016

Brian Fraser: Don't let tribes open casinos anywhere they want

It’s a simple question: Should the Coquille Tribe be allowed to build and operate a Class II casino?

Posted: August 29, 2016

Erica Pinto: Jamul Indian Village planning to debut casino 'soon'

We wish to pursue the American Dream to the best of our ability and for the sake of our people.

Posted: August 26, 2016

Editorial: Donald Trump wages war on the Indian gaming industry

Republican nominee for President, Donald Trump, has been waging war against American Indian Tribes since 1988.

Posted: August 18, 2016

Editorial: Drop the 'charade' against Tohono O'odham Nation's casino

As many people may suspect, the Native American contingent in Arizona is quite influential.

Posted: August 18, 2016

Opinion: Court decisions appear in conflict on tribal gaming rights

Two federal court decisions decided one day apart considered the definitions of 'Indian' under the Indian Reorganization Act.

Posted: August 15, 2016

David Collins: Mohegan Tribe makes wrong call with Chick-fil-A at casino

I find it curious that an American Indian tribe that has built its success on a public policy of righting past wrongs would be so insensitive to civil rights complaints.

Posted: August 8, 2016

John Schneider: New Little Traverse casino is underwhelming

Did you notice all the fanfare associated with the grand opening, around Memorial Day, of the new Odawa Casino in Mackinaw City?

Posted: July 21, 2016

Editorial: Tule River Tribe invests gaming revenues in community

A little more than 20 years ago the leaders of the Tule River Indian Tribe had a vision to develop a casino to ensure the future of the tribe and its people.

Posted: July 6, 2016

Patrick Lambert: Eastern Cherokees in talks for outlet mall and more at casino

An outlet mall, a convention center and new hotel at the Harrah's Cherokee Casino Resort in North Carolina are under discussion.

Posted: July 5, 2016

Editorial: Let's leave gaming to tribes and kill Arkansas casino bid

There are already too many opportunities to lose the light bill in this state without inviting stand-alone, 24/7 casinos.

Posted: June 28, 2016

Editorial: Decision opens door for more off-reservation casinos

Seattle Times: What’s more dangerous is the precedent Washington Gov. Jay Inslee’s approval may set for other tribes to expand their operations off reservations.

Posted: June 20, 2016

Ben Nighthorse Campbell: Pass the Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act

Tribal sovereignty isn’t just a slogan, and it isn’t just limited to programs and services.

Posted: June 13, 2016

Clint Halftown: Cayuga Nation faced little choice but to go to court

While we will vigorously defend our rights in court when left with no other option, negotiation, not litigation, is our preferred method of dispute resolution.

Posted: June 9, 2016

Editorial: Aquinnah Wampanoag Tribe casino bid leads to big fight

If the tribe is successful in its appeal, it will not be the residents of tribal lands who will determine the character of Aquinnah — mostly friends and neighbors — but the majority of the tribe’s voting members.

Posted: June 9, 2016

Tim Steller: Money motivates Tohono O'odham Nation casino spat

The state administration elected with the help of Phoenix-area tribes is defending its interests against a Tucson-area tribe that opposed this administration’s election.

Posted: June 8, 2016

Editorial: Cayuga Nation can't claim sovereignty over gaming site

With a federal appeals court panel's ruling last week reinstating the Cayuga Indian Nation of New York lawsuit against Union Springs, the village has a few options to consider.

Posted: June 6, 2016

Dean Obeidallah: Donald Trump's smears go back to the first Americans

If you think Donald Trump just started demonizing minority groups for personal gain during this current presidential campaign, then you don’t know Trump.

Posted: June 2, 2016

Robert Jumper: Gaming leads Eastern Cherokees to bright future

Tremendous good has been provided to our people as a result of the Tribe’s gamble back in 1994.

Posted: May 23, 2016

Editorial: North Fork Rancheria gaming plan must come to an end

It shouldn’t take an act of Congress for common sense to prevail. But in the case of the casino project that wouldn’t die, that’s what it’s come to.

Posted: May 19, 2016

Editorial: Suquamish Tribe shares casino funds with community

We raise our hands in thanks. Hy’sh’qa, Suquamish Tribe, for your generosity and your continued stewardship in your historical territory.

Posted: May 17, 2016

Steve Stallings: Compact process respects tribal and state rights

The opinions expressed in The Sacramento Bee’s editorial are very concerning and full of misleading information on the state compacting process.

Posted: May 16, 2016

Bryan Newland: Bill grants states a veto over tribal gaming rights

H.R.5079 would mark a dramatic shift in congressional policy, because it would modify the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to subject tribes to a state veto of the rights recognized in the Cabazon Supreme Court decision.

Posted: May 16, 2016

Rick Farinelli: Lawmaker wrong to sponsor anti-Indian casino bill

For more than 12 years the North Fork Rancheria has diligently pursued its gaming project as specifically allowed by federal law and prevailed through every local, state and federal administrative review and approval.

Posted: May 16, 2016

Maryann McGovran: Don't be fooled by efforts of wealthy tribes

The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians want to use their wealth, gained from casino gaming, to change the rules and deny us our sovereign right to conduct class III gaming on our lands.

Posted: May 13, 2016

Claudia Gonzales: Off-reservation gaming fuels attacks on tribes

Please allow the California gaming tribes to solve a local California problem in a local state specific way and do not oppose the passage of H.R. 5079, the California Compact Protection Act.

Posted: May 13, 2016

Christine Edwards: Graton Rancheria casino foes eating their words

Now that the Graton Resort and Casino is on track to complete a $175 million expansion, writer Christine Edwards wonders what the fuss was all about.

Posted: May 10, 2016

John Charles: Oregon governor shows hypocrisy on Indian gaming

As soon as our governor starts reining in the state Lottery, I might take her concerns about tribal casinos seriously.

Posted: May 9, 2016

Editorial: New commercial casino won't hurt St. Regis Mohawk Tribe

For those who enjoy gambling, the Akwesasne Casino fills the bill.

Posted: May 5, 2016

Editorial: County must work with Cloverdale Rancheria on casino

The only real opportunity county supervisors have to mitigate the impacts of a Cloverdale casino is through direct negotiations with the tribe itself.

Posted: May 4, 2016

Editorial: Oregon governor takes unusual stance on tribal gaming

If you’re a business owner, you’d also be upset if the state began operating a business similar to yours, and then began telling you that your business is too big.

Posted: April 25, 2016

Rodney Green: Tribal casino won't stop Connecticut's job losses

We will lose jobs no matter what, and even more so with another casino in our state.

Posted: April 11, 2016

EJ Montini: Arizona open for business except for one tribal casino

Gov. Doug Ducey (R) doesn't like the Tohono O’odham Nation's Desert Diamond Casino West Valley, located near the big entertainment district in Glendale, Arizona.

Posted: March 28, 2016

Editorial: Courts hold the cards on Seminole Tribe's casino deal

Since the Florida Legislature failed to produce legislation addressing the future of gambling, lawmakers lost control of this years-long conundrum to the courts.

Posted: March 24, 2016

Colin McEnroe: Schaghticoke Tribal Nation loses in new casino fight

I worry that the poor Schaghticokes think they're going to compete for a casino once the legislature's collusion with the Mashantuckets and Mohegans is exposed for the brainless piece of skulduggery it is.

Posted: March 14, 2016

Terry Rambler: San Carlos Apache Tribe won't destroy sacred site

A thorough survey was conducted by the San Carlos Apache Tribe to verify that construction of the new casino would not impact any Apache cultural resources.

Posted: March 3, 2016

Editorial: A 'shameful' delay on Seminole Tribe gaming compact

Once again, the powers that be in Tallahassee stand poised to punt on gambling legislation.

Posted: March 3, 2016

Gabe Galanda: NIGC isn't doing anything about per capita abuses

Between 2010 and 2015, the NIGC failed to take a single enforcement action for improper gaming per capita payments, even though several tribes during that time were rather obviously abusing per caps to kick members off tribal rolls.

Posted: March 1, 2016

Opinion: Don't believe anti-casino hype in Lytton Band land bill

If you’ve been listening to Rep. Jared Huffman recently, you’d think that his bill HR 2538 would protect the town of Windsor and Sonoma County.

Posted: February 23, 2016

Dale Miles: San Carlos Apache Tribe desecrates site with casino

Why are we Apaches making a casino where our people were murdered so terribly?

Posted: February 17, 2016

Editorial: Measure stops Lytton Band from pursuing new casinos

Given the uproar over the construction of the Graton casino in Rohnert Park, why would anyone oppose a congressional bill that prevents the construction of a casino on tribal land in northern Sonoma County?

Posted: February 11, 2016

Bill John Baker: Cherokee Nation creates opportunity with casino

The tribe is the economic engine of this region, and we must keep pursuing opportunities to grow that impact, create jobs and further economic development for our friends and family.

Posted: February 3, 2016

Don Vaccaro: Connecticut tribes need another casino to address competition

Since the Connecticut casinos opened more than two decades ago, they have contributed roughly $7 billion to the Connecticut Special Revenue Fund, as well as billions to the state economy and countless direct and indirect jobs.

Posted: February 1, 2016

Peter Roff: Congress should close Tohono O'odham Nation casino

One tribe should not be allowed to hide behind the doctrine of 'sovereign immunity' to do an end run around everyone else.

Posted: January 27, 2016

Editorial: Legalize Internet gaming and fantasy sports in California

California lawmakers have been trying for years to create this sort of framework for online poker, only to be thwarted by internecine battles among the state's licensed gaming businesses.

Posted: January 25, 2016

Opinion: Connecticut puts too much focus on a new tribal casino

It's time our state government begins to get serious about making the structural changes necessary to attract and keep productive business and begins to look at instruments other than gambling for moving Connecticut forward.

Posted: January 21, 2016

Howard Stutz: Seminole Tribe pushes for Class III casino compact

On the surface, the new gambling compact between the Seminole Indian Tribe and Florida Gov. Rick Scott looks like a win-win for both sides.

Posted: January 19, 2016

Fred Grimm: Seminole Tribe casino compact far from a sure thing

I’d put my money on nothing. No deal this legislative session.

Posted: January 12, 2016

Editorial: Limit non-Indian gaming in Seminole Tribe's compact

Because the compact can't take effect without approval from lawmakers, they have an opportunity to make it better.

Posted: January 11, 2016

Randy Galloway: Kickapoo Tribe opposes historical horse racing machines

In a column a month ago, there was criticism from here directed at the Star-Telegram editorial board for its repeated stance on an issue that directly impacts the sport of horse racing in this state.

Posted: December 29, 2015

Editorial: Seminole Tribe's gaming compact is good for Florida

Give Gov. Rick Scott credit for finally hammering out a new gambling compact with the Seminole Tribe of Florida.

Posted: December 28, 2015

Carol Evans: Spokane Tribe deserves off-reservation casino too

We face staggering social, health and environmental problems as historic sources of tribal revenue no longer exist, are in decline, and are near flatlining.

Posted: December 8, 2015

Robert Odawi Porter: Labor unions try to confiscate tribal wealth

The Tribal Labor Sovereignty Act, which exempts tribal governments from application of the National Labor Relations Act, is a rare opportunity to both support tribal sovereignty and strengthen tribal economies.

Posted: December 7, 2015

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