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NIGA Supports Gaming Rules But Opposes McCain Bill

NEW MEXICO -- As reported by Indianz.com: "The nation's largest tribal casino organization put its weight behind the Bush administration's new gaming regulations in a bid to oppose Congressional efforts to clamp down on the $20 billion industry.

"Meeting in Albuquerque, New Mexico, last week, the National Indian Gaming Association passed two resolutions on the matter. The first backs the Section 20 proposal that would establish standards for the acquisition of land for casinos.

"'NIGA supports the promulgation of regulations by the Department of Interior, working directly with tribal governments,' the resolution states.

"The second opposes S.2078, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act Amendments. In the resolution, NIGA says the bill that was approved by the Senate Indian Affairs Committee on March 29 'infringes on Indian sovereignty and tribal self-government, unnecessarily burdens economic development and lawful business transactions, and creates new bureaucratic roadblocks and mandatory agency reviews' that will harm the industry.

"...In contrast, S.2078, sponsored by Sen. John McCain (R-Arizona), the current chairman of the committee, goes further by outright eliminating certain types of off-reservation casinos. Newly recognized and restored tribes who want to engage in gaming on land is currently not part of a reservation would face harsher limits..."

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