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Indian Tribes to Review Class II Gaming Machines
Indian Tribes are currently reviewing their stances on the use of Class II gaming machines. Three major problems are on the horizon and could dramatically alter the way the tribes use the machines.
These problems are comprised of the following:
-The proposed modification of standards and definitions for "electronic or electromechanical facsimiles" (electronic video bingo machines) by The National Indian Gaming Commission last May 25, 2006. The proposed change contains the modified classification regulations, commentary and definitions for "electronic machines." The proposal mainly clarifies the difference between Class II and Class III gaming. The commission found the tribal consultation process to be too troublesome because there were many number of times that tribal representatives strongly disagreed with the committees decision.
-The Justice Department's maneuverings to influence the U.S. Congress to amend the Johnson Gambling Devices Act. The Department of Justice mounted an effort to disrupt Indian gaming and tribal economies by amending the Johnson Act because of its several unsuccessful attempts to add criminal prohibitions in the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. When the IGRA was made, the main purpose of the Congress was to allow Indian tribes to use technology as instruments of making their business prosper. They want a clear explanation on the difference of Class II and Class III gaming machines.
-Senate Bill 2078 amending the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Senate Bill 2078 was introduced by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee. While the bill is not a deterrent to Class II gaming, it does give the National Indian Gaming Commission significant power to review and approve contracts, to set time frames for that review, and to impose new restrictions on the process for placing land into trust for gaming purposes especially for the Indian tribes.
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Danny Hudson