Trump Administration Could Signal Rough Times for Indian Gaming
The new reality of the second Trump administration is likely to impact several facets of Indian Country’s affairs, tribal leaders said Feb. 5 on the Indian Gaming Association’s “New Normal” webinar, writes iGB.
This week, IGA’s Conference Chair Victor Rocha and Executive Director Jason Giles were joined by longtime association Chairman Ernest Stevens, Jr. and Mark Trahant, a journalist and former editor of Indian Country Today.
The quartet touched on several aspects of Indian life and how they have been or could be affected over the next four years. Among them, how the landscape for Indian gaming might change under the Trump administration.
On the topic of gaming, the first point of discussion was the appointment of North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum as the new secretary of the interior. The position, previously filled by Deb Halaand, is a key job as it relates to Indian affairs.
Rocha said Burgum is “not the worst we could do.” He said Burgum was generally protective of tribal rights in his previous post, “but not when you talk about online gaming.” This was a reference to late 2022, when Burgum signed new compacts with state tribes but denied them exclusivity for digital wagering.
Rocha also predicted that the feds are likely to rein in tribal casino approvals under the new administration. “No more land into trust, no more off-reservation gaming,” he said. In the final days of Joe Biden’s presidency, his administration made a flurry of controversial project approvals. Some were for off-reservation casinos, which historically have been almost impossible to obtain.
Trahant made the point that this too could continue if Trump or his associates had something to gain. In Florida last month, GOP lawmakers refused to convene a special session to consider an initiative that would’ve banned the use of signature gathering companies. There has been speculation that Trump would oppose such a measure as it would inadvertently make it more difficult for him to develop a Florida casino.
Funding for Florida PG/RG Line Cut
Since digital betting went live via the Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Bet app in November 2023, the number of calls Florida’s problem gambling helpline receives has more than doubled, reports ClickOrlando.But last summer, the state gaming commission stopped funding the hotline because the seven-person hotline team could not keep up with the paperwork required by the commission. Given the increase in the number of calls, it was not possible to do the paperwork and answer calls.
The hotline is funded by a $2 million annual stipend from the Seminole Tribe, which owns and operates Hard Rock Bet and seven land-based casinos across the state. The state previously provided additional funding.
In addition to operating the hotline, the Florida Council on Compulsive Gambling also runs outreach programs, according to ClickOrlando. Through these programs, they offer responsible gambling tools and education.
Comanche Cache Casino to Reopen Feb. 21
Comanche Cache Casino in Cache, Okla. will reopen Feb. 21 after being closed for a year due to Phase II expansions. The expanded casino now features 300 slots, an open-air veranda and more. The following week, the casino will open the state’s first Wahlburgers restaurant.
“The reopening of Comanche Cache Casino represents a major step forward for our property, delivering more entertainment, dining and convenience to our guests,” Steven Doyle, CEO of Comanche Nation Entertainment, said in a statement. “The addition of Wahlburgers marks a historic moment for us as we introduce this family-friendly restaurant to Oklahoma for the first time.”
In Other News …
A new casino project by the Native Village of Eklutna in Alaska is under fire, as the state has filed a federal lawsuit disputing a Department of the Interior decision to allow the tribe jurisdiction over an off-reservation Native allotment. According to MustReadAlaska, tribal contractors worked quickly and overnight to get the casino up and running.
