A number of American Indian tribes are reportedly exploring their options for getting into the fast-growing online gambling market.
According to a new report from USA Today, American Indian tribes presently operate more than 450 gaming facilities across 28 states, but the online gambling arena remains something they are yet to explore.
Tribes have been deeply divided over whether to allow gambling on their reservations, and online betting is just as divisive. Those that back casinos to combat high unemployment and poverty among Native Americans see online gambling as the next logical step.
A number of tribes have already established websites offering free games, but with no prize money attached, it’s impossible to estimate how much revenue would actually be generated through online gambling.
“Because the federal government recognizes tribes as sovereign nations, their gaming businesses are generally exempt from federal and state income taxes and local property taxes,” the report reads. “Some tribes share casino revenues with states, often in exchange for agreements to keep out privately-run casinos—such deals exist in California, Florida, Minnesota and Wisconsin—but the amount is much less than states would collect in taxes from private casinos.”
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