Congress has always has a sensitive position when it came to gambling. Now it is put in the middle with their responsibilities, and opponents. Gambling opponents are demanding that Congress end tribal expansion when it comes to casinos. Several states are seeking a loophole in the law, which passed in 1988.
Jeff Benedict of the Connecticut Alliance Against Casino Gambling Expansion explains that the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act is valid, but it is problematic. The problem is this legislator is causing many states, which don’t permit gambling, to violate state constitutional laws for tribal gambling. It’s problematic legally, but those finding that loophole, are trying to test stretch it out.
Benedict says the casino breakout is a result from a loophole that allows tribes, without land, to seek a reservation. Some are using the loophole to shop for casino building. Anti- Gambling states and politicians say tribes are taking advantage of this, and now many are coming in for this purpose.
Buffalo, New York, which is not considered tribal land, is going to be the sight of a new casino. Attorney Neil Murray says casino gambling is illegal in New York, but tribal laws always surpass that. The Indian Gaming Act is stronger than state laws.
Congress telling states to pass laws that violate the states own constitution, is problematic. Chad Hills with Focus on the Family Action is asking Congress to fix any loopholes. According to this way casinos can be built in the proper places, and no where else.
Twenty-five states are trying to get Congress to stop the spread of off-reservation casinos. These may very well be the states that do not have legal gambling inside. Recently tribal casinos have been trying to pop up casinos all over the place. What may be their land right to, is bothering state law. |
