Federal Legislation

New Developments (updated 6/21/01)

Gaming regulations proposed for U.S. Indian reservations: On June 19, Republican lawmakers introduced legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives to amend the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.

The bill, sponsored by Reps. Frank Wolf (R-Virginia), Christopher Shays (R-Connecticut) and Bob Riley (R-Alabama), would require state approval for new gaming facilities on Indian land.

It also would create commissions to establish minimum federal standards for Indian casinos and advise Congress on national policy regarding Indians.

"This legislation will remove the incentive that exists for the gambling industry to use the tribes as a conduit to expand their business and give states a full opportunity to decide if they want casino gambling," Wolf said.

The legislation has the support of state and national anti-gaming groups, which have criticized the spread of casinos on Indian reservations.

Of the 561 Indian tribes recognized by the federal government, 196 run gaming operations, according to the National Indian Gaming Association.