Arkansas’ Issue 2 Takes Effect Following Legal Challenge
Issue 2, the successful Arkansas ballot initiative that stripped Cherokee Nation Businesses (CNB) of its Pope County casino license, took effect Nov. 13 after a last-minute legal challenge came up short. The measure was passed by state voters Nov. 5 by a 56 percent-44 percent margin. Not only does Issue 2 rescind CNB’s existing license, it also stipulates that any further expansion be voter approved.
Following the election loss, CNB sued the state Nov. 8, invoking several infringements on its constitutional rights. The suit requested the court issue a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction halting the measure from taking effect. It then filed an amended complaint Nov. 12, in which it added Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders and all members of the Arkansas Racing Commission (ARC) as defendants.
A hearing was held the same day in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Arkansas. Judge DP Marshall, Jr. ultimately denied the request for an injunction, but the case itself will continue. In Marshall’s order, filed Nov. 13, briefs are scheduled through the end of the month, with a trial to follow.
Notably, Sanders and the ARC were dismissed as defendants. Their inclusion in the suit seemed contradictory given that Sanders opposed Issue 2 and the ARC unanimously awarded the license to CNB in June.
New York’s Senecas Elect New President
Seneca Nation of Indians president-elect J.C. Seneca told Spectrum News 1 Nov. 11 that he is a “zero percent guy and I don’t think the state deserves any revenue from our nation,” when it comes to gambling. The Senecas are a federally recognized tribe and have been in compact negotiations with New York for more than a year. Seneca will take over negotiations for the tribe and does not believe that the tribe should have to pay the state for the right to offer gambling.
Seneca won 87 percent of the vote in what was his third attempt at the presidency.
States cannot tax tribes, which are sovereign nations. But in most states, gaming tribes have compacted with their states and do pay a revenue share. They also often give back to communities in the state by funding emergency services, offering education grants or making cash donations.
Though Seneca is clearly opposed to operating under the current deal – the tribe pays 25 percent of slot revenue to the state – he went on to say that he will listen to the will of tribal members and act accordingly.
Chicken Ranch Hosts Grand Opening, Rolls Out Playbawk Class II Sports Betting App
California’s Chicken Ranch Rancheria of Me-Wuk Indians hosted a grand opening for its Chicken Ranch Casino Resort Nov. 10. The property, which held a soft launch in July, features a casino with 600-plus slots, a 197-room hotel, event space and other amenities.
In addition to the casino, the tribe has also rolled out its Playbawk Class II sports betting app that allows players to fill out a bingo square with player-specific picks, much like pick ‘em fantasy. The platform was developed in partnership with Vetnos.
“We know that app-based gaming entertainment is the future,” Chicken Ranch Tribal Chairman Lloyd Mathiesen told Indian Gaming. “It’s already here; there just wasn’t a Class II sports offering until now. We also know that the best thing that a tribe can do is invest in diversification, and what’s a better way to diversify than focusing on what you know, which is gaming. Because it’s Class II, the tribes really have more control. Revenue remains with the tribe and the community wins. What really drew us to this app, was the ability for tribes to strengthen their sovereignty and expand Class II.”
Alabama’s Poarch Creek’s Hire Big-Time Lobbying Firm
Ahead of the 2025 legislative session, the Poarch Creek Band of Indians in Alabama have hired the lobbying firm Fine Geddie, 1819 News reported Nov. 12. No type of commercial gambling is legal in Alabama, including lottery. It is one of five states that does not have a lottery. The Poarch Creeks operate three casinos on tribal lands.
In 2024, the tribe opposed a massive gambling package that would have legalized a lottery, allowed for seven electronic casino venues at racetracks, required the state to negotiate for gambling expansion with the tribe and three bingo halls. The proposal, at one point, also included legal digital and retail sports betting.
So far, no state legislators have indicated that they would introduce gambling legislation next year. The legislative session opens Feb. 4, 2025..
Pechanga, Venetian Partner
California’s Pechanga Resort Casino Nov. 8 announced a partnership with the Venetian Hotel on the Las Vegas Strip. Billed as a “first-of-its-kind” partnership, customers of both resorts will now have access to benefits, amenities and casino clubs at both locations. Pechanga Resort is located in Temecula, about an hour from Los Angeles and 20 minutes to Southern California’s wine country.
“We are excited to welcome Pechanga guests to the Venetian Resort and providing our Venetian Rewards guests to experience Pechanga, a top casino destination in Southern California,” Venetian Chief Gaming Officer Danny Ruiz said via press release. “Together we’re offering our guests exclusive perks, seamless access to experiences at both destinations and a chance to enjoy the best of both worlds like never before.”
Sandia Opens New Mexico Sportsbook
The Sandia Resort & Casino Nov. 13 opened a 10,000-square-foot casino Nov. 13, according to the Albuquerque Journal. Owned by the Pueblo of Sandia, the casino is one of 13 tribal casinos in the state. New Mexico never formally legalized sports betting, but tribes there have been offering it on reservation since 2018, and the casino will include a sportsbook. Per the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, federally recognized tribes can offer Class III gaming on their land, as long as the state agrees. In this case, the state did not object when the Santa Ana Star became the first tribal casino to take sports bets.
The new Sandia sportsbook will have the highest wager limits in the state, with plans to accept bets of up to $8,000 at teller windows. Kiosks located around the property will accept bets up to $500. The sportsbook is on the third floor, and offers views of the surrounding mountains.
Kewadin Casinos Go Smoke-Free
On Nov. 11, all five of Michigan’s Kewadin Casinos, which are operated by the Sault Tribe of Chippewa Indians, implemented a previously announced transition to smoke-free gaming. All five properties will now only allow smoking in designated outdoor areas.
“This policy change aligns with our mission to create the very best experience possible for all our guests,” Kewadin Casinos CEO Allen Kerridge said in a press release. “We’ve heard from many customers and team members who feel a smoke-free environment is the right step forward. We’re excited to meet their needs and provide an even more welcoming atmosphere at all our properties.”
