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Pennsylvania Tribal Gaming Dealt New Hand

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania – As reported by the Philadelphia Inquirer: "Indian gaming in Pennsylvania, a concept once pronounced dead at the state Capitol, has been revived in a Senate bill that would provide licenses to two Oklahoma tribes - if they agreed to be treated as any other gambling entity.

"The proposal, described by gaming experts as a first, would spare the Delaware Tribe and the Delaware Nation years of legal battles in the uncertain pursuit of federal approval to run gambling halls. In exchange, they would be taxed and regulated by the state.

"The bill, being drafted by Sen. Vince Fumo (D., Phila.) as the latest in a series of bills to legalize slot machines in Pennsylvania, represents the first attempt to expand the slots proposal to include the Indian tribes since they surfaced in May. It also sheds light on the strategy that the tribes will use to press their case.

"…Gov. Rendell, who was not available for comment yesterday, has been dismissive of the tribes' land claim in Northampton County. Senate Republicans, who must give the minority Democrats the votes they need to pass any slots bill, are likely to oppose it.

"…Gaming experts called the bill unusual, saying they have never heard of such a tactic…"

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