Tribal Gambling Could Expand Under New Federal Rules

Native American tribes could expand their gambling operations in the U.S., including pursuing lucrative online betting, under new rule changes proposed by the federal government.

The proposals from the Bureau of Indian Affairs include easing rules for tribes to acquire additional land, which could ultimately be approved for casino development. New rules would also ensure that tribes can negotiate online-betting deals with states. 

The proposed rule changes have sparked opposition from some commercial gambling competitors as well as from state and local government leaders concerned about losing out on tax revenues and having less input on where casinos are developed, according to comments submitted last week to the Bureau of Indian Affairs.  

Twenty Republican state attorneys general sent a letter outlining several concerns about the proposals Wednesday.