Internet Gambling for Tribes Hot Topic in North Dakota

North Dakota’s tribes are getting closer to realizing their online gambling ambitions, but one issue still may throw a spanner in the works. According to local charitable organizations, giving the state’s five American Indian tribes exclusivity over this segment may effectively end the wagering activities by charitable organizations. The charities spoke with Gov. Doug Burgum outlining their concerns.

Renewing the Compacts in the Tribal’s Image Still on Debate

Meanwhile, the tribes are keen to see the governor approve the new tribal-state agreements, which are referred to as compacts and are often the basis of allowing tribes across the United States to offer gambling products. The current compacts are set to expire at the end of the year, which means that Gov. Burgum will be the one who needs to approve them.

The tribes, though, are not too keen to compete with charities, which they argue feature “Las Vegas-style” pull tab machines. These machines have ended up collecting $1.75 billion from players in 2022 alone. The tribes stressed that they are some of the biggest contributors to social programs on their reservations and are some of the biggest employers there as well.

Both the tribes and charities want to continue doing what they do, and this is why representatives of both met and spoke at the State Capitol in front of 100 people. One employee for the tribal operators said that jobs were already suffering because of e-tabs going online.

According to tribal representatives, enabling the tribes to start hosting online gambling operations on their reservations will be able to make up for the competition that e-tabs have been putting in. But not everybody agrees. North Dakota Gaming Alliance executive director Mike Motschenbacher said cited by the Associated Press that the tribes were already in an advantageous position because of their casinos, which he said, if expanded on, will devastate what the charities do.

Revenue to Charitable Organizations Grows Because of E-Tabs

Tribal representatives disagreed. Meanwhile, the data outlining how much money has been contributed by charities in North Dakota surfaced, with $75 million in total revenue generated for these operators. This marks a big increase in the overall revenue, mostly owing to the e-tabs rolling in. Still, one thing that is not yet clear is what would the effect of tribal casino gaining rights over online gambling be.

What’s clear is that the tribes are suffering because of the status quo, and they are keen to use their expertise in the gambling industry to secure employment and other benefits for their community. Meanwhile, charities remain firmly opposed. No final decision has been reached.