During yesterday’s Senate Committee on Indian Affairs meeting, Chairman Daniel Akaka (D-HI) announced that he has drafted a bill which will focus on regulating Tribal online gaming options in the US. The hearing was presented to discuss online gambling and the effects it would have on the Tribes and Akaka used this meeting to present his new bill.
Akaka announced during the meeting: “This bill is intended to further the dialogue with Tribes… I encourage all of you to review the bill and provide comments. In any expansion of gaming, we must make sure that the unique circumstances surrounding Tribal sovereignty are maintained in any legislation. We must also allow Tribes to participate fully.”
John Pappas, the Executive Director of the Poker Players Alliance, spoke to PocketFives on the subject of the new bill and Pappas stated: “The draft legislation is solely focused on Tribal licensing of internet poker. it is an important benchmark for Tribal interests and the PPA strongly believes Tribes should be part of the future competitive internet poker marketplace. But, since it is not a holistic approach and does not contemplate other potential licensees, it is more for discussion rather than a realistic legislative vehicle.”
Also discussed during Thursday’s meeting was the aspect of how Tribal gaming is important to Indian communities. Senator Al Franken (D-MN) spoke on this topic during the meeting and stated: “Gaming has been an incredibly powerful economic tool for Tribes. Gaming enterprises have brought much needed revenue and jobs to Indian Country… It is a tool that if used well can make a huge difference. It’s something worth protecting. Any changes to current gaming law must take into account the special place Tribes hold in the gaming industry.”
According to an article by PocketFives, the PPA Vice President of Player Relations took to the forums at the site to relate his thoughts on the hearing as it happened. Rich Muny kept players up to date on the forums via a thread on the subject. Muny gave his final thoughts on the subject by stating: “I think the hearing went well for the poker community. Poker is clearly on the front burner now!”
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