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Fodder: Poarch Creeks hire firm to follow consumers at casinos (11/19)

"Now that the state has shut down most big bingo casinos in the state, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians apparently are looking to get high-tech in terms of maximizing their market potential. A company...

Chickasaw Nation withdraws license request at Texas racetrack (11/17)

The Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma has withdrawn a request for a racetrack license from the Texas Racing Commission. The tribe's subsidiary, Global Gaming Solutions, bought the Lone Star Park in Grand Prairie for $47.8 million...

Former Quapaw leader admits reason for resigning gaming post (11/12)

J.R. Mathews, the former vice chairman of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, admitted he stepped down from his leadership posts in response to a sexual harassment claim involving a gaming employee. In May, Mathews resigned...

Little Traverse Bay Bands lowers legal gaming age from 21 to 19 (11/02)

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians in Michigan has lowered the legal gambling age from 21 to 19. Chairman Ken Harrington supported the change. He said it will allow younger tribal members to...

Poarch Creeks donated $2.8M to Alabama politicans in last year (11/01)

The Poarch Band of Creek Indians contributed $2.8 million to politicians in Alabama in the last year, The Birmingham News reports. About half the money was spent in just the past few months. The tribe...

Poarch Creeks dispute state jurisdiction over gaming facilities (10/27)

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley (R) can't go after tribal gaming facilities, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians says. The tribe operates Class II machines at casinos on its reservation. Riley claims he has the authority...

Alabama governor aims to close Poarch Creek Class II facilities (10/25)

Alabama Gov. Bob Riley (R) says the Poarch Band of Creek Indians can't offer electronic Class II machines. Riley started a task force that closed down all of the non-Indian gaming facilities in the state....

Penobscot Nation told it can't offer electronic gaming machines (10/08)

The Penobscot Nation can't offer electronic pull tabs, according to Maine attorney general Janet Mills. The tribe planned to install the machines at its bingo hall. But Mills says they do not act in the...

IPR: Little Traverse Bay Bands might lower gambling age to 19 (10/06)

"An Indian-run casino in Petoskey, The Odawa Casino Resort, could lower its gambling age from 21 to 19. It's not unheard of to see gamblers under age 21 at northern Michigan casinos. Turtle Creek Casino,...

Former employee admits to theft from Turtle Mountain casino (10/05)

A North Dakota man pleaded guilty to stealing from the casino owned by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians. Shane Trottier, 40, worked as a cashier at the Sky Dancer Casino and Hotel. He...

Little Traverse Bay Bands debates lowering gambling age to 19 (10/01)

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians of Michigan might lower the gambling age at its casinos from 21 to 19. Chairman Ken Harrington said the change could go into effect before the end...

Shoshone-Bannock Tribes arrest employee in casino theft probe (09/24)

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of Idaho made an arrest as part of theft probe at the Fort Hall Casino. The unidentified suspect has been charged with theft under tribal law. Federal charges are possible as the...

BIA holds consultation on gaming land-into-trust determinations (09/24)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs held the first in a series of consultation sessions on gaming land-into-trust determinations. The meeting was held on Spokane, Washington, on Thursday. The Kalispel Tribe used the session to raise...

Nevada county blames tribal gaming for 42 percent drop in revenue (09/15)

Indian gaming is to blame for a 42 percent drop in revenues over the past two years, according to the Nevada Gaming Control Board. The non-Indian casinos in the Douglas County have seen a...

BIA to consult tribes over gaming land-into-trust determinations (09/01)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has scheduled a series of consultations to ask tribes about gaming land-into-trust determinations. Three major topics are on the agenda. All affect policies, regulations and directives issued by the Bush...

Choctaw Nation starts offering alcohol at its newest casino resort (08/31)

Alcohol is now available at the newest Choctaw Nation casino in Oklahoma. Restaurants and bars at the Choctaw Casino and Resort in Durant are offering liquor. Drinks are also available on the gaming floor. "You...

Navajo Nation community approves sale of alcohol at new casino (08/30)

Members of the Navajo Nation who live in the Upper Fruitland Chapter voted to approve alcohol at a planned casino. Alcohol will be restricted to the restaurant at the $80 million facility in New Mexico....

OSHA in court over inspection at Tohono O'odham Nation casino (08/23)

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is asking a federal judge to force the Tohono O'odham Nation to allow an inspection of one of its casinos. OSHA wants to check out the air quality at...

Pauma Band allows woman to collect disputed $2K slots jackpot (08/17)

The Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians of California allowed a woman to collect a $2,040 slot machine jackpot but said she will remain banned from the Casino Pauma. Jill Waters and her sister-in-law were playing...

Report shows drop in revenues and profits at Wisconsin casinos (08/10)

The Legislative Audit Bureau released its biennial audit of the Division of Gaming that showed a drop in revenues and profits at Wisconsin's tribal casinos. Overall, tribal casinos took in about $1.3 billion each year...

Large non-Indian gaming facility in Alabama closes amid threat (08/10)

Victoryland, the largest non-Indian gaming facility in Alabama, closed on Monday but its owner promised a court fight to keep operating electronic machines. Victoryland at one point offered 6,400 electronic machines. Gov. Bob Riley (R)...

Series: The history of tribal gaming and race tracks in New Mexico (08/09)

"In a ruling that opened the door for tribal gaming, the U.S. Supreme Court in 1997 held that if state law criminally prohibits a form of gambling, then tribes within that state may not engage...

'Andrew Jackson Institute' criticizes Florida tribal casino industry (08/05)

A group called the Andrew Jackson Institute has been "set up to expose corruption in the Indian gaming industry," according to its web site. The group, named for the president that forced tribes from the...

New report to show impact of recession on Wisconsin tribal casinos (08/04)

The state of Wisconsin's tribal gaming industry will be reported in an audit that's being released later this summer. The Legislative Audit Bureau issues its audit of the Division of Gaming every two years. The...

Former NIGC chairman singles out Oklahoma as lacking regulation (08/02)

Phil Hogen, the former chairman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, says regulation in Oklahoma isn't as strong as it could be. Hogen, who tried...

New leader of NIGC declines to endorse fix to IGRA case from 2006 (07/30)

Tracie Stevens, the new chairwoman of the National Indian Gaming Commission, once again declined to endorse a Congressional fix to a case from 2006 but...

Study: Gaming employment contributes to Indian drop-out rates (07/29)

"A study of tribal casinos shows a checkered pattern of benefits and drawbacks for those on the reservation. William Evans and Wooyoung Kim found that when casinos open, local wages and employment rates improve, but...

Mohegan chairwoman to testify at hearing on Internet gaming bill (07/21)

The House Financial Services Committee holds a hearing this afternoon on H.R 2267, the Internet Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement Act. Federal law currently bars Internet wagering except if it is conducted under state...

Iowa governor sought money from groups seeking casino license (07/20)

Iowa Gov. Chet Culver (D) is under investigation for soliciting donations from groups that were bidding for new casino licenses, The Des Moines Register reports. Culver "personally" sought donations from two groups, the paper said....

Pauma Band bars women from casino after dispute about jackpot (07/19)

Two women are upset that the Pauma Band of Luiseño Indians of California banned them for life from the tribal casino. Jill Waters and Laura Waters are sisters-in-law. They were playing slot machines together at...

Tribes face scrutiny of gaming revenue amid economic downturn (07/16)

The worst economic recession in decades hasn't been kind to many tribes with casinos and some of them are facing even more pressure from outside entities and the federal government. The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation...

Editorial: No reason to deny expanded liquor at Chumash casino (07/08)

"Valley residents have until the close of business today to voice their opinions — pro and con — about the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ application to expand its liquor license at the casino...

White Earth Band places manager of casino on leave of absence (07/08)

The tribal council of the White Earth Band of Ojibwe Indians of Minnesota voted 4-1 to place the manager of the Shooting Star Casino on a leave of absence. Eugene “Bugger” McArthur has been on...

Blog: Report finds gangs a problem at Wisconsin tribal casinos (07/07)

"The state's Native American casinos might be providing reservations with economic growth, but they've also ushered in new levels of drugs and crime, according to authorities. A drug threat assessment by the recently formed Native...

Oneida Nation tests smoke-free policy at two gaming facilities (07/06)

The Oneida Nation of Wisconsin is testing a smoke-free policy at two of its gaming facilities. The facilities went smoke free on June 1. The tribe wants to see whether the policy has an...

Seminole council member in NIGC violation report resigns post (07/01)

David Cypress, a council member for the Seminole Tribe of Florida who was named in a recent National Indian Gaming Commission report, resigned his position to "take a rest," a spokesperson said Cypress, 58, was...

Chumash Tribe upset by mayor's opposition to liquor at casino (06/30)

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians of California is upset by a local mayor's opposition to the tribe's casino liquor license. The tribe wants to expand the areas where liquor is served at the...

Sault tribal members protest transfer of Detroit casino license (06/29)

The Michigan Gaming Control Board approved the transfer of the Greektown Casino Hotel in Detroit to a new group of owners over protests from members of the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians....

County opposes expanded liquor license for Chumash casino (06/23)

The board of supervisors in Santa Barbara County, California, voted 3-2 to oppose a liquor license at the casino owned by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians. The board will send a letter of...

Restaurant fire causes evacuation at Chickasaw Nation casino (06/22)

A restaurant fire led to the evacuation of hundreds of people from a casino owned by the Chickasaw Nation of Oklahoma. About 300 to 400 patrons and 100 to 200 employees were inside the...

Chumash Tribe seeks expansion for liquor license at casino (06/14)

The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians of California wants to expand the liquor license at its casino, The Santa Maria Times reports. The tribe wants to serve liquor in the showroom at the Chumash...

Sault Tribe seeks clarification on status of Detroit casino site (06/11)

Resolution of the bankruptcy case of the Greektown Casino Hotel in Detroit, Michigan, could require an act of Congress, according to Rep. Bart Stupak (D-Michigan) and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. The...

Column: Malaysian firm with tribal links under investigation (06/07)

"The state Racing & Wagering Board is investigating key officials with the huge Malaysian company that has jumped into the competition to build and operate a racino at Aqueduct Raceway. The six-month probe came about...

Liquor sales begin at Oneida Nation casino after long battle (05/27)

Liquor sales began today at the Oneida Nation casino in New York. The tribe sought a liquor license for more than a decade. The New York State Liquor Authority never granted one due to concerns...

Liquor license for Oneida Nation casino not delayed after all (05/25)

The New York State Liquor Authority has issued a liquor license for the Oneida Nation casino after a temporary snag on Monday. The authority said it was going to delay the license amid concerns about...

Non-Indian racetrack complains about Oneida Nation liquor (05/24)

The Vernon Downs racetrack asked the New York State Liquor Authority to rescind a liquor license at the Oneida Nation casino. The track says the tribe intimidated local businesses by asking them to support liquor...

Little Traverse Bay Bands bring in new executives at casino (05/21)

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians of Michigan has hired two new casino executives. David Wolf will serve as general manager at the Odawa Casino Resort. Melissa B. Richards will serve as director...

Muscogee Nation seeks contract for fire services at casino (05/12)

The Muscogee (Creek) Nation is asking the city of Tulsa, Oklahoma, to approve a contract for fire services at the River Spirit Casino. The contract would set an an annual payment based on 13 cents...

WSJ: Twelve states in process of expanding gaming options (05/11)

The Wall Street Journal publishes a chart that shows 12 states are in the process of expanding gaming or considering an expansion. The states are California, Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Missouri,...

Oneida Nation details arrangement for casino alcohol sales (05/11)

The Oneida Nation of New York offered details about a business deal that will bring liquor to the Turning Stone Resort and Casino. The tribe will lease all of the restaurant, hotel, entertainment and gaming...

Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe won't pay out poker jackpot (05/10)

A group of gamblers has been trying to get the Flandreau Santee Sioux Tribe of South Dakota to pay out a nearly $96,000 from a poker game. The tribe offered the jackpot during a Texas...

NIGC counsel says Alabama can't hit Poarch Creek gaming (05/06)

The state of Alabama can't go after the Poarch Band of Creek Indians for offering Class II games, the outgoing general counsel of the National Indian Gaming Commission said. Gov. Bob Riley (R) started...

Choctaw Nation gains approval for alcohol sales at casino (05/05)

The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma won approval to sell liquor at its newest casino. All liquor sales will go through Delaware North, a concessions company. Restaurants and bars at the Choctaw Casino and Resort in...

County puts end to Catawba Nation high stakes bingo hall (05/05)

The Catawba Nation of South Carolina won't be opening a high-stakes bingo hall in Richland County. The tribe's proposal to take over an existing bingo hall was met with opposition at a public meeting on...

Man charged for theft of $1.2M from Native gaming agency (05/04)

A man has been charged with stealing $1.2 million from the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority, the agency that oversees First Nations casinos. Alain Germain, 51, is accused of diverting money from SIGA's bank accounts into...

Catawba Nation sees opposition to high-stakes bingo hall (05/04)

The Catawba Nation of South Carolina ran into opposition to its plans to take over a bingo hall. The tribe wants to turn Carolina Gold Bingo into a high-stakes facility. The tribe would operate it...

Quapaw leader steps down from board overseeing casino (04/30)

J.R. Mathews, the vice chairman of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, resigned from his post on the board that oversees the Downstream Casino Resort, as vice chairman of the tribe and as treasurer of the...

Pequot casino in Pennsylvania faces loss of state license (04/30)

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut might lose its slot machine license in Pennsylvania. The tribe and a group of investors won a license for the Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia nearly three-and-a-half years ago, The...

New York board delays decision on Oneida casino alcohol (04/29)

The New York State Liquor Authority held a meeting on Wednesday to consider a liquor sales arrangement at the Oneida Nation casino. The tribe entered into a partnership with the owners of the Beeches Restaurant....

Catawba Nation looks at sites for a high-stakes bingo hall (04/29)

The Catawba Nation of South Carolina has been looking at sites for a high-stakes bingo hall. The tribe considered four locations but ran into local opposition, The State reported. A fifth site could finally be...

New York liquor board considers alcohol at Oneida casino (04/28)

The New York State Liquor Authority is considering a liquor sales arrangement at the Oneida Nation casino. The tribe entered into a partnership with the owners of the Beeches Restaurant. The tribe will lease space...

Meskwaki Tribe opposes proposed casino in home county (04/28)

The Meskwaki Tribe is opposing a state license for a casino in Tama County. The tribe operates the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Hotel and is the largest employer in the county. Signature Management is proposing a...

Michigan smoking ban won't affect Indian, Detroit casinos (04/28)

On May 1, smoking will be banned at bars, restaurant, hotels and other businesses serving food or beverages in Michigan but tribal casinos and state-licensed casinos won't be affected. The state lacks jurisdiction in Indian...

Little Traverse Bay Bands lose another gaming executive (04/27)

The Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians of Michigan has lost its third gaming executive in just six months. The director of finance at the Odawa Casino Resort resigned on Friday. The general manager...

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs to discuss Internet gaming (04/27)

The Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs will meet Thursday to discuss Internet gaming. Native leaders scheduled the meeting in response to the province's interest in Internet gaming. The government might start its own gambling site or...

Buena Vista Rancheria requests liquor license at casino (04/19)

The Buena Vista Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians has asked the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for a liquor license. The tribe plans to serve alcohol at the planned Flying Cloud Casino. The facility will...

Utah Navajos want to join gaming industry with Class II (04/15)

Members of the Navajo Nation who live in Utah don't want to be left out of the tribe's gaming initiatives. The tribe has seen success with Fire Rock Navajo Casino, a facility near Gallup, New...

Permit could lead to liquor sales at Oneida Nation casino (04/14)

The Oneida Nation of New York has formed a partnership with a restaurant to serve and sell liquor at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino. The tribe entered into an agreement with CD Food &...

Little Traverse gaming board accused of mismanagement (04/13)

The gaming board for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians of Michigan is under investigation for financial mismanagement, The Petoskey News-Review reports. Chairman Ken Harrington announced the investigation in the April 2010 edition...

Osage Nation casinos threatened by recent court decision (04/12)

In a recent tax case filed by the Osage Nation of Oklahoma, the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the Osage Reservation did not exist, a ruling that could affect the tribe's gaming...

Quapaw Tribe official recants report on gaming allegations (04/08)

The leader of the committee that accused leaders of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma of "personally and unjustifiably" profiting from the tribe's casino is recanting a report that contained the allegations. John Rader, the chairman...

Opinion: Quapaw chairman manipulates tribal regulations (04/07)

The following is the opinion of Jennifer Mueller, a Quapaw tribal member. The Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma has clear written resolutions on the process of allegations of misconduct for elected officials. As a tribal member...

Lobbyist with tribal ties donated to anti-gaming governor (04/02)

A lobbyist with connections to the Poarch Band of Creek Indians donated $10,000 to the political action committee for the anti-gaming governor of Alabama. Steve Windom is a lobbyist for Azalea City Racing Club, a...

Quapaw chairman won't call meeting over gaming report (04/02)

The Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma won't be convening for a general council meeting to discuss allegations in a gaming report, Chairman John Berrey said. The report from the Quapaw Grievance Committee accused Berrey, Vice Chairman...

BIA not involved in gaming dispute within Quapaw Tribe (03/31)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has not asked leaders of the Quapaw Tribeof Oklahoma about a gaming dispute. The Native American Times initially reported that the BIA wanted more information from Chairman John Berrey, Vice...

BIA asks Quapaw leaders to answer to casino allegations (03/30)

The Bureau of Indian Affairs has asked three leaders of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma to respond to allegations that they "personally and unjustifiably" profited from the tribe's casino, The Native American Times reports. The...

Democratic candidates support Poarch Creek casino deal (03/29)

The Democratic candidates for governor of Alabama support a Class III gaming compact with the Poarch Band of Creek Indians while some Republican candidate oppose the idea. The tribe has requested negotiations for over a...

Quapaw chairman dismisses allegations in gaming report (03/29)

John Berrey, the chairman of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma, is dismissing allegations that he and other tribal leaders "personally and unjustifiably" profited from the tribe's casino Berrey says the tribe's grievance committee released a...

Mille Lacs attorney defends charges against former leader (03/25)

The top attorney for the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe of Minnesota says the tribe cooperated with a county investigation that led to charges against former executive Melanie Benjamin. Solicitor General Rjay Brunkow said the...

Quapaw leaders accused of wrongly profiting from casino (03/23)

Three leaders of the Quapaw Tribe of Oklahoma have "personally and unjustifiably" profited from the tribe's casino, according to an internal investigation. Chairman John Berrey, Vice Chairman J.R. Mathews and tribal council member George McWaters...

Oklahoma tribes shared $112M in casino revenue in 2009 (03/22)

Oklahoma tribes contributed $112 million in gaming revenues to the state in 2009 though only a fraction goes to problem gambling programs. According to The Oklahoman, tribes contributed only $250,000 for gambling treatment. A larger...

Man sentenced for stealing $7M from 27 tribal casinos (03/16)

A California man was sentenced to 70 months in federal prison for stealing more than $7 million from tribal casinos and non-Indian gaming facilities across the nation. Phuong Quoc Truong, who once worked at a...

White Earth Band extends wage freeze at tribal casino (03/11)

The White Earth Band of Ojibwe Indians of Minnesota continues to impose a wage freeze for employees of the Shooting Star Casino. Chairwoman Erma Vizenor implemented the freeze over a year ago. In her...

Former Mille Lacs executive charged with casino theft (03/11)

Melanie Benjamin, the former chief executive of Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe in Minnesota, has been charged in connection with improperly using more than $52,000 in casino "comp" privileges. Benjamin illegally obtained a high-roller card...

Saskatchewan First Nations collect liquor tax at casinos (03/10)

Five First Nations have signed agreements with Saskatchewan to collect a liquor tax at their casinos. The tribes are collecting the same 10 percent tax as the province's. The revenues will be used to fund...

No charges filed for assault at Seminole Tribe's casino (02/25)

Prosecutors in Florida won't file charges in connection with an alleged sexual assault at a casino owned by the Seminole Tribe. Prosecutors cited a lack of medical evidence and cited inconsistent information in their decision...

State official wants to ask NIGC about Poarch Creeks (02/23)

The head of an anti-gambling task force set up by Alabama Gov. Bob Riley (R) still has the Poarch Band of Creek Indians in his sights. Mobile County District Attorney John Tyson Jr., who...

Union still eyeing deal at Saginaw Chippewa casino (02/15)

The United Auto Workers is hoping to organize at the casino owned by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe of Michigan even though prior efforts failed. The Teamsters lost a vote among housekeepers at the Soaring Eagle...

Editorial: Poarch Creek regulation bill a better option (02/11)

"Those who want a gambling bill to not only clear the Legislature, but also to win voters' approval, would be wise to consider some of the selling points of legislation being pushed by the Poarch...

Two Little Traverse gaming directors still out of a job (02/08)

Two gaming directors for the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians of Michigan are still out of a job after the tribal council voted against reconsidering their removal. Dollie Keway and Fred Kiogima were...

Alabama governor vows to close Poarch Creek casinos (02/03)

An anti-gambling task force set up by Alabama Gov. Bob Riley (R) is vowing to go after casinos owned by the Poarch Band of Creek Indians. Riley's task force has been shutting down non-Indian...

Mashantucket casino in Pennsylvania hit for delays (01/28)

The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation of Connecticut faces thousands of dollars in fines and could lose its gaming license for delays associated with the Foxwoods Casino Philadelphia. The tribe and its partners still haven't...

Little Traverse council removes two gaming directors (01/27)

The tribal council of the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians of Michigan voted 4-3 to remove two members from the gaming board of directors. The council removed Dollie Keway and Fred Kiogima in...

New York lawmaker claims tribes owe millions in fees (01/27)

A New York lawmaker says tribes owe the state $55.9 million in gaming-related fees. Sen. Craig Johnson (D) says the Seneca Nation owes $41 million in security and fingerprinting fees for its two casinos. He...