Gaming Law International

Ontario bands to get cut of provincial gambling revenues

Beginning in 2011, Ontario's aboriginal bands will receive 1.6% of the provincial gross gambling revenue, likely worth $100 million. The annual payments will be in addition to the $90 million in revenue aboriginal bands received from Casino Rama. Read more here. 

Six Nations to consider servicing Internet gambling sites

The Six Nations Indian Band is considering holding a referendum to vote on whether to offer licencing and technology services to foreign Internet gambling companies. If the referendum is held and approved, the Six Nations Council or an operating company thereof, would provide gaming technology and licencing services modeled on a similar service offered by the Kahnawake Indian Reservation. The Six Nations Council is concerned with the possible criminal liability for assisting the operation of an illegal Internet gambling services offered in Canada. Under Canada's Criminal Code, only the provinces have the legislative competence to conduct and manage gambling over the Internet.

Potawatomi sign new gambling deal

A new 25-year gambling compact was approved between the U.S. federal government and the Potawatomi Indian band yesterday which is expected to generate US$43.6 million in revenue for the state of Wisconsin. 

California approves two off-reservation casinos

California's governor Schwarzenegger yesterday announced a deal that would allow two aboriginal bands (Indian tribes in the U.S.) to build and operate two off-reservation casinos. The proposed casinos would be located en route to Las Vegas. Under the deal, the Big Lagoon Band from Northern California and the Los Coyotes Band of Cahuilla and Cupeno Indians of San Diego County would be able to open separate casinos, each with 2,250 slot machines. If the plan goes through, the bands will own and operate one of the largest casinos in the country. The bands would pay 25% of the profits from slot machines and card games to the State of California. The deals must be ratified by the California State legislature and federal officials.