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New Gaming Laws a Long Shot

UNITED STATES – As reported by the San Diego Union Tribune: "Amid scandal and mounting public anxiety, this was the year many expected Congress to rewrite the landmark 1988 law that opened the door to what has become a $23 billion Indian gambling industry.

"In addition to apparent political momentum, the effort appeared to have the perfect champion – Sen. John McCain, the Arizona Republican respected by all involved and uniquely qualified for the job. McCain was a lead author on the original legislation that created the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, better known as IGRA.

"But with flush gaming tribes putting up stiff opposition, election-year politics seeping into the mix and precious little time left in the congressional session, what once looked like a sure bet may have become no better than even money.

"…Many hoped McCain's legislation and a similar bill by Rep. Richard Pombo, R-Tracy, could chill the scramble for off-reservation casino sites and tighten federal oversight of a mushrooming industry that has grown much faster than expected.

"Drafted in the heat of the Jack Abramoff lobbying scandal, the measures also were inspired in large part by events in California, which has served up examples of what critics have branded "reservation shopping" – the pursuit of lucrative casino sites off tribal lands.

"…McCain's measure is the more comprehensive of the two, a package praised by its supporters as the most sweeping overhaul of the federal Indian gaming law since it was enacted nearly two decades ago.

"…Both bills moved out of committee with broad, bipartisan support. But McCain's measure has stalled in the Senate, where as many as a dozen senators have placed a hold on it.

"…Pombo's bill is expected to clear the House, where Speaker Dennis Hastert, R-Ill., is fighting an off-reservation casino bid in his district.

"…But Pombo's measure would have to move through the Senate, which is considered the more difficult arena for both bills. There's not much time left for action, with Congress scheduled to adjorn at the end of the month…"

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