The Iipay Nation of Santa Ysabel has announced that the online poker site it planned to launch earlier this month will be delayed indefinitely, according to PokerUpdate, an online gambling newsletter. Representatives of the tribe told the publication that they have not set a new launch date, pending "double and triple checking everything."
The article cited speculation that the delay is due to lingering concerns about the legality of the online venture, called PrivateTable.com. Although tribal representatives insist that the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) allows the tribe to proceed, the California state legislature has not yet legalized online poker for California residents. Currently, Californians are able to play PrivateTable.com for play-money, but online gambling for real money remains illegal in the state.
However, that could change, according to a second article, this one in CardPlayer, another online news source. In an August 29 story, writer Brian Pempus reported that law professor and gambling expert I. Nelson Rose believes California will legalize online poker next year. Rose believes that "gaming interests in the state are more aligned that ever before on the internet poker issue." Tribes and commercial gambling companies have lobbied for the change, but Rose said election year politics got in the way of passage in 2014. Nevada already has approved online poker; New Jersey and Delaware have approved multiple online options, including slots as well as poker and other games.
Sunday, August 31, 2014
Saturday, August 16, 2014
CASINOS NO LONGER SURE WINNERS FOR STATE, NY TIMES REPORTS
'The long-standing image of gambling as a no-doubt winner for state governments has quietly gone the way of a bettor's bankroll after too many hours at the tables', according to an August 10 article in the New York Times.
The report suggests that New York State's decision to "charge headlong" into the casino business may not produce the revenue and job creation benefits that supporters, including Governor Andrew Cuomo, have promised as a "powerful economic jump-start" for economically stagnant regions of the state. Four regional full-service gambling resorts are expected to win approval this year and open next year.
Analysts and experts interviewed by the Times suggested that the gambling market already may have reached the saturation point in the Northeast. They cite casino closings in Atlantic City and cost-cutting measures at Foxwoods as just a few indications of shrinkage in the regional gaming market. In addition, the article notes that at least four of the state's nice racetrack casinos (racinos) could be "undercut and endangered" by the new casinos.
The article highlights another challenge for state officials: "choosing between areas in the greatest need of economic assistance and those where a casino could deliver the greatest impact for the state." The state comptroller's office has warned that most of the players in regional casinos will come from nearby communities rather than outside the state, producing no net gain in economic benefit.
Tribal casinos in New York were threatened with expansion in their own backyards unless they agreed to share revenues with the state. They agreed to the state’s terms, and now the Mohawk, Seneca and Oneida tribes are paying hundreds of millions into New York State coffers. The tribes are no longer actively opposing the state's effort to open new gambling venues.
Tuesday, August 5, 2014
U.S. SENATORS URGE REINSTATEMENT OF ONLINE GAMBLING BAN
U. S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC), Diane Feinstein (D-CA) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) have sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and Attorney General Eric Holder urging them to return to the previous reading of the Wire Act of 1961, reports the August 1 edition of PokerNewsDaily online. In December 2011, the Justice Department reinterpreted the Wire Act, issuing a statement that the law "no longer bans gambling over the Internet as long as the betting is not on the outcome of a sporting event."
According to the online report, the three senators say the DOJ opinion "could usher in the most fundamental change in gambling in our lifetimes by turning every smart phone, tablet and personal computer in our country into a casino available 24 hours a day." The letter expresses their concern that online gambling could "open the door to money laundering and other criminal activity," and "prey on children and society's most vulnerable."
In March this year, Senator Graham introduced a bill to return the Wire Act to its original interpretation. Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) introduced a companion bill in the House. Neither Chamber has taken action on the proposed legislation.
The member tribes of the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) adopted a set of principles in April 2014 to guide the association's response to any significant internet gaming legislation that may be introduced in Congress. They include:
1) Indian tribes are sovereign governments with a right to operate, regulate, tax and license internet gaming, and those rights must not be subordinated to any non-federal authority;
2) Internet gaming authorized by Indian tribes must be available to customers in any locale where internet gaming is not criminally prohibited;
3) Consistent with long-held federal law and policy, tribal revenues must not be subject to tax;
4) Existing tribal government rights under tribal-state compacts and Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) must be respected;
5) The legislation must not open up the IGRA for amendments;
6) Federal legalization of internet gaming must provide positive economic benefits for Indian Country; and,
7) Indian tribes possess the inherent right to opt into a federal regulatory scheme to ensure broad-based access to markets.
MIGA Executive Director John McCarthy said Minnesota tribes have not taken a formal position on internet gambling, but generally support the NIGA principles, which underscore federal policies supporting Indian self-determination and the U.S. Constitution's recognition of tribes as sovereign governments.
According to the online report, the three senators say the DOJ opinion "could usher in the most fundamental change in gambling in our lifetimes by turning every smart phone, tablet and personal computer in our country into a casino available 24 hours a day." The letter expresses their concern that online gambling could "open the door to money laundering and other criminal activity," and "prey on children and society's most vulnerable."
In March this year, Senator Graham introduced a bill to return the Wire Act to its original interpretation. Rep. Jason Chaffetz (R-UT) introduced a companion bill in the House. Neither Chamber has taken action on the proposed legislation.
The member tribes of the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) adopted a set of principles in April 2014 to guide the association's response to any significant internet gaming legislation that may be introduced in Congress. They include:
1) Indian tribes are sovereign governments with a right to operate, regulate, tax and license internet gaming, and those rights must not be subordinated to any non-federal authority;
2) Internet gaming authorized by Indian tribes must be available to customers in any locale where internet gaming is not criminally prohibited;
3) Consistent with long-held federal law and policy, tribal revenues must not be subject to tax;
4) Existing tribal government rights under tribal-state compacts and Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) must be respected;
5) The legislation must not open up the IGRA for amendments;
6) Federal legalization of internet gaming must provide positive economic benefits for Indian Country; and,
7) Indian tribes possess the inherent right to opt into a federal regulatory scheme to ensure broad-based access to markets.
MIGA Executive Director John McCarthy said Minnesota tribes have not taken a formal position on internet gambling, but generally support the NIGA principles, which underscore federal policies supporting Indian self-determination and the U.S. Constitution's recognition of tribes as sovereign governments.
Thursday, June 5, 2014
MIGA'S ANNUAL GOLF TOURNEY SET FOR JUNE 23
The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association (MIGA) will host its 21st annual golf tournament on Monday, June 23 at The Meadows at Mystic Lake. The event is MIGA's primary fundraising activity, with proceeds augmenting the organization's budget for education and advocacy programs.
"We're proud of MIGA's record of advocacy on behalf of all Minnesota tribes, and we have been blessed with very strong support from the vendors and suppliers who share our commitment to Indian gaming," said MIGA Executive Director John McCarthy. "Our annual golf tournament is a great way to bring everyone in the Minnesota Indian gaming community together for a day of fun and fellowship."
The Meadows at Mystic Lake is an award-winning course, named one of the top ten casino golf courses in the country by Golfweek Magazine in 2009, and one of the top ten new golf courses in the country by Golf Digest in 2006. It is noted for its spectacular setting, surrounded by 11 acres of wildflowers and other native prairie plantings with 80 bunkers, 13 holes with water, 20 fountains, and a 2,500-foot stream with four waterfalls. The USGA has rated The Meadows as 74.7 with a slope rating of 145.
Golfers will tee off at 10 am in a three-person scramble with two teams on a box. Participation is limited to 36 teams. Vendors may sponsor a hole for $2,500, or a hole and a team for $3,100. An awards ceremony and buffet will follow at approximately 4:00 pm
The deadline for sponsor and team registration is Friday, June 13. For more information contact MIGA by email.
"We're proud of MIGA's record of advocacy on behalf of all Minnesota tribes, and we have been blessed with very strong support from the vendors and suppliers who share our commitment to Indian gaming," said MIGA Executive Director John McCarthy. "Our annual golf tournament is a great way to bring everyone in the Minnesota Indian gaming community together for a day of fun and fellowship."
The Meadows at Mystic Lake is an award-winning course, named one of the top ten casino golf courses in the country by Golfweek Magazine in 2009, and one of the top ten new golf courses in the country by Golf Digest in 2006. It is noted for its spectacular setting, surrounded by 11 acres of wildflowers and other native prairie plantings with 80 bunkers, 13 holes with water, 20 fountains, and a 2,500-foot stream with four waterfalls. The USGA has rated The Meadows as 74.7 with a slope rating of 145.
Golfers will tee off at 10 am in a three-person scramble with two teams on a box. Participation is limited to 36 teams. Vendors may sponsor a hole for $2,500, or a hole and a team for $3,100. An awards ceremony and buffet will follow at approximately 4:00 pm
The deadline for sponsor and team registration is Friday, June 13. For more information contact MIGA by email.
Monday, June 2, 2014
GOVERNOR VETOES BILL PROHIBITING ONLINE LOTTERY SCRATCH-OFF SALES
Governor Mark Dayton has vetoed SF 2642, a bill prohibiting the sale of lottery scratch-off tickets on the internet, at gas pump terminals and at ATMs. The Governor announced his veto on Friday, May 30, in a letter to Senator Sandra Pappas, President of the Minnesota Senate.
The bill passed with a strong bipartisan majority on the last day of the 2014 session after legislators expressed concern that Lottery officials had exceeded their authority by expanding into online ticket sales. Supporters had a strong enough majority to override a veto, but because the action came after the legislature had adjourned, they are unable to do so.
In his veto letter, Dayton rejected the argument that online lottery ticket sales represented an unauthorized expansion of the Lottery's powers. "It appears to me that the Executive Director is operating within the scope of his legislatively-established authority," wrote the Governor.
Rep. Joe Hoppe (R-Chanhassen) believes the governor's veto will lead to a strong anti-lottery bill next session, according to a May 30 Associated Press story by Amy Forliti. "In effect what the governor is saying is, it's OK for his lottery director, without consent of the Legislature...to sell tickets anywhere, anyhow in the state of Minnesota. I don't think that's right, and I think an overwhelming majority of the Legislature agrees with me. This will not stand," Hoppe is quoted as saying.
The bill passed with a strong bipartisan majority on the last day of the 2014 session after legislators expressed concern that Lottery officials had exceeded their authority by expanding into online ticket sales. Supporters had a strong enough majority to override a veto, but because the action came after the legislature had adjourned, they are unable to do so.
In his veto letter, Dayton rejected the argument that online lottery ticket sales represented an unauthorized expansion of the Lottery's powers. "It appears to me that the Executive Director is operating within the scope of his legislatively-established authority," wrote the Governor.
Rep. Joe Hoppe (R-Chanhassen) believes the governor's veto will lead to a strong anti-lottery bill next session, according to a May 30 Associated Press story by Amy Forliti. "In effect what the governor is saying is, it's OK for his lottery director, without consent of the Legislature...to sell tickets anywhere, anyhow in the state of Minnesota. I don't think that's right, and I think an overwhelming majority of the Legislature agrees with me. This will not stand," Hoppe is quoted as saying.
Anti-gambling expansion organizations, charities, gas station operators and convenience store owners were among the most active supporters of SF 2642. The Minnesota Indian Gaming Association (MIGA) did not take an official position on the bill, but the association has opposed further expansion of gambling in Minnesota since 1992.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
NO GAMBLING EXPANSION ON HORIZON AS LEGISLATURE ADJOURNS
The Minnesota Legislature adjourned on Friday, May 16, without passing--or even considering--any measures that would have expanded gambling in the state.
The only gambling-related measure to pass was a bill prohibiting the Minnesota Lottery from selling instant scratch games online, at gas pumps and at ATM machines. The Lottery had begun selling the games online last year. Lawmakers felt the Lottery had exceeded its authority in launching the online sales without legislative approval, and the bill passed with strong bipartisan support. Governor Dayton has until May 30 to sign or veto the measure.
MIGA tribes can't afford to become complacent, though, said MIGA Executive Director John McCarthy. "The Legislature had other priorities on its plate this year, and gambling expansion wasn't on the radar screen," McCarthy said. "But the pro-expansion forces haven't given up. They'll be back when they see an opportunity to move their agenda forward."
The only gambling-related measure to pass was a bill prohibiting the Minnesota Lottery from selling instant scratch games online, at gas pumps and at ATM machines. The Lottery had begun selling the games online last year. Lawmakers felt the Lottery had exceeded its authority in launching the online sales without legislative approval, and the bill passed with strong bipartisan support. Governor Dayton has until May 30 to sign or veto the measure.
MIGA tribes can't afford to become complacent, though, said MIGA Executive Director John McCarthy. "The Legislature had other priorities on its plate this year, and gambling expansion wasn't on the radar screen," McCarthy said. "But the pro-expansion forces haven't given up. They'll be back when they see an opportunity to move their agenda forward."
Saturday, March 1, 2014
MINNESOTA SHOULDN'T PERMIT ONLINE GAMBLING, SAYS POLL
Nearly two-thirds of Minnesotans believe the state should not permit online gambling, according to a recent Star-Tribune Minnesota Poll of 800 Minnesota adults. The poll results, published on February 22, reveal that opposition to online gambling is strong across the board, no matter the age, gender, income or party affiliation of respondents.
The poll results were made public just a few days before the Minnesota Legislature convened on February 25, when the session's first bill was introduced--a bill that would prohibit the Minnesota Lottery from offering online gambling. The measure was authored by Senator Karin Housley.
Lottery officials have been criticized by some legislators for moving into the online sale of lottery tickets and efforts to introduce other online games without legislative approval. Minnesota Lottery Director Ed Van Petten has told legislators that his office does not need their approval to take lottery games online.
The poll results show little support for online gambling, even among younger Minnesotans who, according to lottery officials, are the target market for internet-based games. In the 18-34 age group, only 25 percent of respondents thought the state should permit online gambling, while 58 percent opposed it.
Among registered voters, 66 percent opposed online gambling while 22 percent thought it should be permitted.
The strongest opposition came from respondents who identified themselves as Republicans, with 81 percent believing the state should not permit online gambling. Among Democrats, 54 percent were opposed, while 27 percent thought it should be permitted. Those who identified themselves as Independents opposed online gambling, 63 percent to 28 percent.
The poll results were made public just a few days before the Minnesota Legislature convened on February 25, when the session's first bill was introduced--a bill that would prohibit the Minnesota Lottery from offering online gambling. The measure was authored by Senator Karin Housley.
Lottery officials have been criticized by some legislators for moving into the online sale of lottery tickets and efforts to introduce other online games without legislative approval. Minnesota Lottery Director Ed Van Petten has told legislators that his office does not need their approval to take lottery games online.
The poll results show little support for online gambling, even among younger Minnesotans who, according to lottery officials, are the target market for internet-based games. In the 18-34 age group, only 25 percent of respondents thought the state should permit online gambling, while 58 percent opposed it.
Among registered voters, 66 percent opposed online gambling while 22 percent thought it should be permitted.
The strongest opposition came from respondents who identified themselves as Republicans, with 81 percent believing the state should not permit online gambling. Among Democrats, 54 percent were opposed, while 27 percent thought it should be permitted. Those who identified themselves as Independents opposed online gambling, 63 percent to 28 percent.
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