Congress Needs to Bring Indian Nations to the Table for Online Gambling Legislation

A recent blog on thehill.com by House Representative Mary Bono Mack (R-Ca) and Senator Daniel Akaka (D-Hi) has essentially called out lawmakers for not considering Native American interests as internet gambling legislation is currently being drafted.  While it was not specifically specified in the blog, many think this is a response to rumors that a online gambling amendment will be attached to the payroll tax bill.

The blog calls the legislation shortsighted as Indian gaming makes up around 43% of commercial gaming in the US.   Rep. Bono and Sen. Akaka go on to stress that Indian gaming is of high economic importance in numerous regions, citing specifically California’s 45th Congressional District that employs thousands through jobs at seven local casinos.  The blog then concludes with the pair sating that they are not against internet gambling, but they are looking to ensure that tribal interests are protected in the process.

This blog post should not come as any shock to anyone that has been closely following the legal matters surrounding online gaming in the United States.  Indian tribes for a while have been split on internet gaming and even those that are in favor are divided on how it should be done.

I side with Rep. Bono and Sen. Akaka’s beliefs that Indian interests have to be protected in this matter.  As discussed in last week’s Senate hearing regarding the DOJ’s memo’s impact on tribes, many believe that many tribes will be on the outside looking in with regards to online gambling.  Smaller tribes or those without significant political or financial backing may indeed be left out.

Considering the amount of revenue that Indian casinos bring in annually and their importance to gambling in the United States, lawmakers should take their concerns into consideration and not only include them in the drafting of laws, but also provide provisions that will allow them to compete with the major casino companies like Caesars Entertainment.

Indian nations should not be left out in regards to online gambling legislation.  They should be allowed to the table either as equal partners or given the rights and ability to compete on a level playing field with the other commercial casino entities.  The result will be fair and equal competition, better gaming choices for players, and more revenue across the board.