The lottery and the casino took separate roads to a common destination . Chinook Winds , operated by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians , got there first because it was easier to offer sports betting in a brick-and-mortar casino than to make sports betting available to consumers all over the state , both on mobile platforms and eventually from kiosks at retail locations . But that will come .
Sovereign Nations
The path to sports betting will differ from state to state for gaming tribes . But one thing that doesn ’ t change is the tribal commitment to sovereignty .
Last year , the National Indian Gaming Association ( NIGA ) held a policy meeting at the Santa Ana Pueblo in New Mexico , which runs the first tribal casino in the state to offer sports betting , to discuss tribal sports betting and sovereignty in the 21st century . NIGA Chairman Ernest L . Stevens Jr . saw a need to come together during Congress ’ traditional recess , and discuss the impact of sports betting on tribal sovereignty and tribal-state politics .
Congresswoman Debra Haaland of New Mexico ’ s 1st Congressional District , a citizen of the Laguna Pueblo , was the keynote speaker .
While there may be challenging times and concerns , Rep . Haaland gave an inspirational and upbeat message to the motivated audience . Haaland said the 2020 elections are an essential time to come together and unite this country around its core principles : freedom , liberty and pursuit of happiness .
John Cirrincione , CEO of Santa Ana Star , briefed tribal leaders on how Santa Ana integrated the sports betting experience with the rest of the casino floor . Santa Ana designed and developed its sportsbook to meet the needs of its customer base , while ensuring compliance with all tribal regulations and any National Indian Gaming Commission ( NIGC ) concerns . Cirrincione urged attendees to measure their customer ’ s appetite for sports betting and seek out the right fit for their tribal operations .
Chairman Stevens stated , “ Our work here today and the information provided by these esteemed panelists will help promote and strengthen the sovereign rights of Indian Country . As tribes look to the future , these types of intricate economic and technological issues are likely to continue to impact their economic future . Tribes like the Santa Ana Pueblo and the Mississippi Choctaw , to name a few , are blazing a new path on economic development and what future tribal casinos might look like .
“ This movement in Indian Country is greatly enhanced by all tribes working together , understanding the ins and outs and characteristics of this new industry ,” Stevens said . “ While everybody understands the need to work together , many individual tribes have been working a long time in anticipation of welcoming this new amenity to tribal government gaming .”
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