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Montana Tribes Want Expanded Gambling

HELENA, Montana – As reported by the – Frustrated representatives from six of Montana's seven Indian reservations said Wednesday that they want the expanded gambling opportunities envisioned by a federal law, but the state refuses to allow them in negotiations.

"Roger Running Crane of the Blackfeet Indian Reservation told the state Gaming Advisory Council there's no real negotiating with the state over gambling issues in compacts, just a one-size fits all for each reservation.

"…Charlene Alden, gaming manager for the Northern Cheyenne Indian Reservation, said her tribe wants to have more video gambling machines and higher maximum winnings.

"…State officials, however, said that the tribes want to negotiate to get games legalized on reservations, such as slot machines and blackjack, that aren't legal under state law.

"Those decisions are up to the Legislature and aren't subject to negotiations, said Gene Huntington, administrator of the state Gambling Control Division.

"…Up for negotiations with tribes, Huntington said, are the amount of payouts, the number of gambling machines allowed, the hours a casino or bar may offer gambling and other issues.

"The Gaming Advisory Council, which advises the state Justice Department that regulates gambling in Montana, plans to appoint a subcommittee to study the issue further…"

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