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Man admits to stealing from Seneca-Cayuga casino (12/16)

A Missouri man pleaded guilty to using counterfeit chips at the casino owned by the Seneca-Cayuga Tribe of Oklahoma. William Reece Lancaster, 49, admitted he modified 25 cent chips to make them look like $500...

Oregon and Wisconsin see dips in gaming revenue (12/14)

Tribes in Oregon and Wisconsin saw a decline in their gaming revenues last year, according to the annual Indian Gaming Industry Report. Oregon's tribal casinos took in $507.4 million last year,a decline of 1.2 percent....

Narragansett complaint about 'casino' unresolved (12/14)

A leader of the Narragansett Tribeof Rhode Island is still waiting for an answer to his complaint about a non-Indian racetrack. Council member Randy Noka says the Twin River facility is illegally marketing itself as...

Little Traverse Bay Bands working on casino debt (12/09)

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians of Michigan continues to negotiate with lenders over $122 million on casino-related debt. Chairman Ken Harrington expected an agreement by December 15 but it appears one won't...

Eastern Cherokee casino to buy liquor from two stores (12/02)

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will buy liquor for the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino and Hotel from two North Carolina Alcohol Beverage Control Commission stores. Tribal members legalized liquor sales at the casino as a...

Huron Band gaming regulator accused of malfeasance (12/01)

A gaming commissioner for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan is being accused of malfeasance for having "intimate relationships" with employees of the FireKeepers Casino. Nathaniel Spurr, the son of chairwoman Laura...

Editorial: Keep ban list at Kickapoo Tribe's casino (11/30)

"As casino gambling opportunities continue to expand in Kansas, so do the concerns of many residents about the impact those casinos have on problem gamblers and their families. That’s why it’s disappointing to learn...

Little Traverse Bay Bands casino manager resigns (11/25)

Sean Barnard, the general manager for the casino owned by the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians of Michigan, resigned on Monday. Barnard wouldn't tell The Petoskey News-Review why he left his post at...

Marketwatch: Online gambling law goes into effect (11/23)

"California resident J.D. won over $50,000 playing video poker online this year. Wow! She couldn't do that well in Las Vegas, and at home she can play anytime without having to drive for hours. Plus,...

Louisiana casinos report another dip in revenues (11/19)

Commercial casinos in Louisiana saw a 6.9 percent drop in revenues last month, the Associated Press reports. Louisiana has 13 riverboat casinos, one land-based casino in New Orleans and three racinos. The facilities took in...

Yakama Nation settles casino payment dispute (11/11)

The Yakama Nation of Washington agreed to pay a fine of $5,000 for distributing $20 million in gaming revenues to tribal members without a federally-approved plan. In December 2008, the tribe gave each tribal...

Huron Band gaming commissioner still in limbo (11/10)

A gaming commissioner for the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan is waiting to hear about his job. The tribe said it would hold a hearing to consider the removal of Nathaniel Spurr...

Alabama governor criticized for bingo crackdown (11/05)

A Republican candidate for governor of Alabama will criticize Gov. Bob Riley (R) for cracking down on electronic bingo. Bill Johnson says Riley might be influenced by gaming interests in Mississippi, including the Mississippi Band...

Soo Tribe's Detroit casino on route to recovery (10/30)

The commercial casino owned by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Michigan has seen a 6.1 percent increase in revenue and will emerge from bankruptcy by the end of the year, an...

Man sentenced 50 years for Pueblo casino theft (10/29)

A New Mexico man was sentenced to 50 years for stealing more than $1.2 million from the casino owned by Sandia Pueblo. Daniel "Steve" Roybal was a slot machine manager at Sandia Resort and Casino....

Connecticut tribes share revenues with members (10/26)

Connecticut's two federally recognized tribes share up to 50 percent of gaming revenues with their members The Mohegan Tribe, owners of Mohegan Sun, dedicates 40 to 50 percent for per capita payments. The Mashantucket Pequot...

Crow Tribe eagerly welcomes smokers to casinos (10/22)

The Crow Tribe of Montana is marketing its casinos to people who want a place to smoke and maybe even gamble a bit. The Montana Clean Indoor Air Act went into effect on October...

Montana tribes weigh smoking policy at casinos (10/19)

At least one tribe in Montana is promoting its casino as smoker friendly now that the state's smoking ban has gone into effect. Smokers can still light up at the casino owned by the...

Huron Band gaming commissioner faces ouster (10/16)

The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians of Michigan will hold a hearing to consider the removal of a tribal gaming commissioner. Nathaniel Spurr is one of five gaming commissioners. He's also the son of...

Sisseton-Wahpeton casino executive fired (10/13)

The chief executive officer of gaming for the Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate of South Dakota has been fired for what he claims is retaliation. Michael J. Roberts was suspended without pay from Dakota Nation Gaming Enterprise after...

Tribes consider casino employee illness policy (10/05)

The American Indian Health Commission for Washington State is urging tribes to reconsider employee attendance policies in light of concerns about H1N1 virus, commonly known as swine flu. Most tribes require casino employees to come...

Oregon group drops tribal casino smoking bid (10/01)

The American Lung Association of Oregon has dropped an effort to force tribal casinos to ban smoking. An attorney wrote Gov. Ted Kulongoski (D) on behalf of the group last month to push for the...

Oregon group targets smoking at tribal casinos (09/18)

The American Lung Association of Oregon is asking Gov. Ted Kulongoski (D) to renegotiate the tribal-state compact to ban smoking at Indian gaming facilities. The state's indoor smoking ban went into effect on June 1....

Saginaw Chippewa Tribe opposes casino union (09/18)

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan continues to oppose the application of federal labor law on the reservation. Two prior union efforts at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort have failed. A third effort is...

Meth bust at Sisseton Wahpeton casino hotel (09/17)

Three people were arrested and charged in connection with a methamphetamine bust at the Dakota Magic Casino in North Dakota. Authorities said they found a pound of meth in a hotel room at the casino....

Saginaw Chippewa casino workers want union (09/14)

Two employees of the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan want to organize a union at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort. Peter Gallinat and Dawaine Penney recently contacted the United Auto Workers. The employees don't...

Native man's casino cash an issue at US border (09/11)

A man from the M'Chigeeng First Nation in Ontario found himself in a holding cell after going back to Canada with his U.S. tribal casino winnings. Lyman Corbiere is a regular gambler at the Bay...

States see drop in casino and lottery revenues (09/10)

States with commercial casinos and lotteries saw a decline in their revenues over the last year. The 12 states with commercial casinos reported $4.5 billion in revenues in the year that ended in June....

First Nation seeks bigger share of casino profits (09/09)

The Rama Mnjikaning First Nation of Ontario is in court to seek a bigger share of revenues from Casino Rama. The band says it is entitled to 35 percent of net profits. That would cut...

Chickasaw Nation moves foward with racetrack (09/08)

The Chickasaw Nation is set to take over a racetrack in Oklahoma. The tribe's bid of $80.25 million for Remington Park was accepted today, The Ada Evening News reported. The tribe bought the facility from...

Oneida Nation liquor deal seen as very lucrative (09/07)

A non-Indian business in New York is expected to make more than $1 million a year by providing alcohol at the Oneida Nation casino. The tribe entered into a contract with The Beeches to serve...

Column: Federal law and tribal casino regulation (09/03)

"A number of readers and fellow gamblers have asked me recently about how much of the money we wager at Indian casinos actually stays on the reservation. The answer: It depends. Background in this area...

William Current: Drug abuse in the gaming industry (09/01)

"The federal government estimates that approximately three-quarters of all illicit drug users 18 and older are employed. This information is according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s “2007 National Survey on Drug...

Narragansett leader files complaint over racetrack (09/01)

A leader of the Narragansett Tribe of Rhode Island filed a complaint with the state attorney general, questioning whether a non-Indian racetrack is engaging in "deceptive trade practices" and "false advertising." Council member Randy Noka...

Jack Duran: Indian gaming and bankruptcy law (08/28)

"I am likely breaking some sort of gaming taboo discussing the topic of bankruptcy, however, with the current state of the economy, struggling to recover from the collapse of the financial markets, the bankruptcy filings...

Oneida Nation to sell liquor at casino eateries (08/26)

The Oneida Nation of New York announced a deal that will allow the tribe to serve liquor at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino. The tribe entered into a contract with The Beeches to...

County won't visit Huron Band casino eateries (08/25)

The Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians won't allow health inspectors in Calhoun County, Michigan, inspect the eateries at the FireKeepers Casino. The tribe instead hired RockCity Food Safety to train employees and inspect...

Pawnee Nation College offers gaming program (08/25)

L to R; Top Row: Marshal Gover, Council member seat #4, George Howell, Pawnee Business Council President, Buddy LoneChief, Pawnee Business Council Vice- President, Gwen Shunatona, Trustee Board member of Pawnee Nation College, Elizabeth...

Poarch Band eyes slot machines at racetracks (08/25)

The Poarch Band of the Creek Indians has purchased controlling interests in two dog tracks in Alabama with the hopes of adding slot machines and table games to the facilities. The tribe purchased 65 percent...

Little Traverse Bay Bands credit rating down (08/19)

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians of Michigan has seen its credit rating downgraded twice in a week. The tribe failed to make an interest payment to holders of $122 million in bonds...

Choctaw Nation boosts casino surveillance (08/18)

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma has upgraded its casino surveillance system. The tribe is using a computer-based system from Axis Communications. A network of more than 1,000 digital video cameras will be installed at six...

North Carolina towns seek to restrict gaming (08/12)

A handful of towns in North Carolina are moving to restrict video poker even though a state court overturned a law that banned the game. The State Legislature outlawed video poker in 2006 but...

Soo Tribe's commercial casino sees big boost (08/11)

Greektown Casino-Hotel, the commercial casino owned by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Michigan, reported a 24.83 percent increase in revenues in July 2009. The casino took in $31.32 million last month,...

States bank on gaming even as revenues dip (08/11)

State governments are expanding commercial gaming options even as revenue from the industry has taken a dive in the past year. About a dozen states expect to take in an additional $2 billion in...

Soo Tribe weighs options for commercial casino (07/22)

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians could give up ownership of its commercial casino in Michigan under bankruptcy plan before a federal judge. The tribe is the majority owner of the Greektown...

Coquille Tribe buys liquor for casino from state (07/16)

The Coquille Tribe buys the liquor for The Mill Casino-Hotel directly from the state of Oregon. The tribal-state compact gives the tribe a substantial discount through the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. Essentially, the tribe pays...

Grand Ronde Tribes finalize casino service deal (07/14)

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde reached an agreement to secure fire and emergency services at the Spirit Mountain Casino. The tribe will build a new fire station for the West Valley Fire District, pay...

Oneida voters reject one-time casino payout (07/13)

Voters of the Oneida Nation of Wisconsin rejected a one-time payment of $10,000 in gaming revenues. The payout to about 12,000 members would have cost more than $121 million. Last year, tribal members voted to...

Burning Questions: Smoking ban and tribal casinos (07/06)

"It was one of the most contentious issues in the state Legislature's debate about a statewide smoking ban. And it remains one of the biggest questions about the ban, which will take effect July...

Wisconsin GOP lawmaker wants casino smoking ban (06/22)

A Wisconsin Republican says tribal casinos should ban smoking. The state's ban on smoking in public places goes into effect in July 2010. State Rep. Dean Kaufert (R) said it should include Indian Country. "It's...

Some welcome alcohol sales at Eastern Cherokee (06/11)

Some patrons of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are looking forward to drinking at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino in North Carolina. Beverly Easton said drinking is part of the gambling experience. "You come here...

Eastern Cherokee casino prepares for alcohol (06/10)

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is moving to bring alcohol to its casino in North Carolina. Tribal voters approved the sale of alcohol at the Harrah’s Cherokee Casino. The tribe will apply for a...

Eastern Cherokees approve alcohol sales at casino (06/05)

Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians voted 1,847 to 1,301 to approve the sale of alcohol at the North Carolina tribe's casino. All but one precinct on the reservation approved the referendum, The...

Eastern Cherokees voting on alcohol sales at casino (06/04)

Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are voting today on a casino alcohol referendum. A majority of at least 30 percent of the tribe's 6,489 voters must approve the measure for it to...

Analysis: Questions about tribal gaming debt (06/03)

"Over the last two decades Indian gaming has grown from a handful of modest-sized bingo facilities in a few states into a $26 billion industry with over 425 tribal gaming establishments operated by 230 tribes...

Eastern Band per capita payments fall 12 percent (06/02)

Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians of North Carolina saw a 12 percent drop in per capita payments. Each tribal member received $3,892, down from $4,473 last December. Payments are distributed twice a...

Cherokee Nation considers casinos at smoke shops (05/29)

Leaders of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma are discussing the possibility of allowing gaming at smoke shops. The idea came up during a tribal council meeting, The Tulsa World reported. Smoke shops owned by individual...

Column: Inconsistency in Florida gambling age (05/28)

"Can you imagine if Florida had two drinking ages -- 18 for beer and wine, 21 for hard liquor? Or if there were two voting ages -- 18 for local and state races, 21...

Eastern Cherokees to vote on alcohol at casino (05/27)

Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians will vote June 4 on a referendum to allow alcohol sales at the tribe's casino in North Carolina. The vote is a first in the North Carolina...

Coeur d'Alene Tribe quizzed EchoHawk on gaming (05/22)

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe of Idaho recently asked Larry EchoHawk, the new leader of the Bureau of Indian Affairs, about his views on gaming, Spokane Public Radio reports. The tribe was concerned because EchoHawk, when...

ATM supplier accused of theft from First Nations casinos (05/22)

An ATM supplier faces a civil lawsuit and criminal charges in connection with the alleged theft of $1.2 million from First Nations casinos in Saskatchewan. The Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority says the ATM supplier failed...

McCain goofs on NIGC name at EchoHawk hearing (05/15)

Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona) was an original sponsor of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and made gaming a top priority...

Racetrack owner calls Indian gaming 'disgusting' (04/30)

The owner of a non-Indian racetrack in Alabama supports gaming -- but not for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Milton McGregor of Victoryland says the tribe receives special treatment. "What makes it even more...

Muscogee judge sides with chief in gaming dispute (04/23)

A Muscogee (Creek) Nation judge sided with Chief A.D. Ellis in a dispute over the distribution of gaming revenues. Ellis issued executive orders in January that stripped six tribal communities of their share of casino...

Indicted securities broker spent $1.2M at casinos (04/22)

A former securities broker who has been indicted for bilking $2.4 million clients reportedly spent $1.4 million at tribal and non-tribal casinos. Denver Kalkofen spent the money at casinos owned by the Menominee Nation and...

Soo Tribe's commercial casino sees drop in revenues (04/21)

Revenues at the commercial casino owned by the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians fell 7 percent last month. The Greektown Casino Hotel in Detroit, Michigan, didn't appear to benefit from the NCAA Final...

Eastern Cherokee 'mob' upset over per capita fund losses (04/15)

Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians met last week to discuss losses to the tribe's gaming per capita fund. The North Carolina tribe invested profits from the Harrah's Cherokee Casino in the stock...

Eastern Cherokee investment fund takes $60M hit (04/09)

Members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are upset over a $60 million loss to the tribe's minor per capita trust fund. The tribe invests profits from the Harrah's Cherokee Casino in the stock...

Sac and Fox Nation charges former casino manager (03/27)

A former Sac and Fox Nation gaming employee faces charges in tribal court. Glen Coleman, 54, is accused of obstructing justice and obstructing governmental function. Documents reviewed by The Shawnee News-Star say Coleman failed to...

Seneca leader clashes with gaming corporation (03/18)

The president of the Seneca Nation of New York is facing criticism from the tribe's gaming corporation. Up until Friday, Barry E. Snyder Sr. served as chairman of the board for Seneca Gaming Corp.....

St. Croix Tribe reduces casino per capita payments (03/17)

The St. Croix Chippewa Indians of Wisconsin has reduced per capita payments due to a drop in gaming revenues. Tribal members are now receiving just $400 a month from the St. Croix Casino and Hotel....

Seneca president ousted from tribal gaming post (03/16)

Barry E. Snyder Sr., the president of the Seneca Nation of New York, was removed as chairman of the tribe's gaming corporation in what The Buffalo News said was a "surprise" vote on Friday....

Meskwaki members reject cut in casino payments (03/02)

Members of the Meskwaki Tribe of Iowa voted against a reduction in their casino per capita payments. Referendums were held on two different cuts. One would reduce the payment from $1,800 to $1,000 and the...

Column: Tribal casino sees use of iPhone card counter (02/17)

"California gaming authorities tipped off their Nevada counterparts to a blackjack card-counting program that can be used on either the Apple iPhone or the Apple iPod Touch portable music player. "The program calculates the true...

Meskwaki man sentenced for theft from casino (02/13)

A member of the Meskwaki Nation of Iowa was sentenced to 10 years for stealing $480,000 from his tribe's casino. Ryan Roberts, 42, blamed his gambling addiction on his theft from the Meskwaki Bingo Casino...

Four charged in Washington tribal casino scam (02/04)

Four men are accused of stealing nearly $13,000 from two Washington tribal casinos. The FBI said the men operated a roulette scam at casinos owned by the Puyallup Tribe and the Snoqualmie Tribe. The group...

California backs away from MICS-like regulation (02/02)

The California Gambling Control Commission has backed away from a rule that would have required tribes to open their casinos and financial records to state regulators. The commission proposed the rule after a federal appeals...

Alabama governor claims bingo machines are illegal (01/29)

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians is defending the legality of its gaming operation after Alabama Gov. Bob Riley (R) said electronic bingo machines are outlawed in the state. The tribe exclusively offers Class II...

NIGC proposed regulations during holiday break (01/07)

The National Indian Gaming Commission isn't letting the end of the Bush administration stop its regulatory initiatives. Over the holiday break, the agency that oversees the $27 billion tribal casino industry proposed updates to several...

Tulalip Tribes casino linked to drunk driving arrests (01/05)

The casino owned by the Tulalip Tribes of Washington tops the state's list of the places where drunk drivers said they had their last drink. Based on data complied by the Washington Liquor Control Board,...