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Federal Agencies Investigate Tribal Casino Crime

SIOUX FALLS, South Dakota – As reported by the Rapid City Journal: "Seven federal agencies have started pooling resources and working together to investigate crime in the nation's burgeoning American Indian casino industry, which now rivals Las Vegas and Atlantic City combined.

"'We know that Indian gaming is no more or any less vulnerable to white-collar crime than casinos in Nevada and New Jersey. And in those states, predictably 6 percent of their gaming revenues walk out the door,' Minnesota U.S. Attorney Thomas Heffelfinger said.

"…Indian gambling revenues grew from $100 million, when the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act passed in 1988, to $15 billion last year, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. More than 220 tribes in 28 states now operate about 360 casinos, the agency said.

"Nelson Westrin, vice commissioner of the National Indian Gaming Commission, said in a news release that the growth of the industry increases the potential for crime.

"…Theft, embezzlement, organized crime, money laundering and other corruption are common crimes associated with casinos.

"…Heffelfinger said the program, called the Indian Gaming Working Group, involves establishing governmental groups that work together at the local level and another aspect that focuses on major cases of a national interest.

"…The seven agencies that are a part of it include the FBI, National Indian Gaming Commission, Department of Interior, IRS, Department of Treasury, Department of Justice and Bureau of Indian Affairs…"

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