California tribes are advocating for a bill in the state legislature that they believe would restore rights that are rightfully theirs. However, cardrooms in the state are pushing back, claiming that the passage of SB 549 would result in job layoffs and financial instability for some California cities. The bill would provide tribes with a one-time opportunity to file a lawsuit against the cardrooms, a move supported by tribes facing competition from cardrooms. While the bill has passed the second reading in the state House, it still needs approval from the Senate before the legislative session ends. The Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians attorney general, Tuari Bigknife, emphasized that the bill aims to solidify the rights of tribes that have been previously overlooked.
On a different note, the Koi Nation in Sonoma County has clashed with Governor Gavin Newsom over the construction of a casino on restored lands. Governor Newsom expressed opposition to the tribe’s plans in a letter to the U.S. Department of the Interior, prompting the Koi Nation to assert that the governor lacks a proper understanding of federal law. The tribe is vying to build a casino on lands that have been restored to them, a move that has been met with resistance from other tribes in the area.
In the realm of sports betting, DraftKings has made significant strides by establishing a partnership with the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians in Wisconsin. This collaboration has enabled DraftKings to open a retail casino, offering in-person betting in compliance with state compacts. The Lac du Flambeau tribe joins a growing number of Wisconsin tribes that have embraced sports betting as a means of enhancing their offerings to patrons. Similarly, FanDuel has entered into a partnership with Advancing Indigenous People in STEM (AISES) to support Indian Country development in the STEM fields, particularly in the context of gaming. This initiative aims to provide educational and mentorship opportunities for individuals interested in pursuing careers in gaming.
In other news, the Saskatchewan Indian Gaming Authority (SIGA) has unveiled plans for a substantial renovation of its Northern Lights Casino, which includes expanding the casino floor and making various enhancements to the facility. Meanwhile, the Cherokee Nation in Arkansas is embroiled in a legal battle over a ballot initiative seeking to revoke a casino license awarded to them in Pope County. The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for the gaming landscape in the region.
