Native tribes operate some of the most successful land-based casinos in the United States. While most gaming operators are preparing to launch online casinos, however, native groups are expressing their concerns about the reversal of the Wire Act.
The DOJ’s decision that the Wire Act does not apply to certain forms of online gambling means that state governments and local operators can launch online casino websites. State governments can increase revenue and operators can improve their profits, offering up a great business opportunity for anyone involved.
Native groups, on the other hand, are concerned about what this means for their casinos. While some tribes have the resources to launch online gambling sites, they are few and far between. The majority of tribes are worried they would have to stick with land-based gambling and get left behind.
They are also concerned about taxation. As Natives do not pay taxes in the land-based world, they believe that they should not be required to in the online gambling market. So, tribe leaders have asked to have a seat when and if federal gambling legislation is passed.
