Several Indian tribes are desperate to open casinos in New York, however the Department of Justice continues to withstand tribal gambling at off-reservation sites. Tribal leaders for the Seneca Nation, the St. Regis Mohawks, the Stockbridge-Munsee Mohicans, and the Shinnecock Nation had hoped casino gambling could be a more negotiable item with the Obama administration, but thus far the DoJ is following the similar Bush policies.The Shinnecock was struggling simply to get formal federal recognition for many years. Finally this year, an agreement will force the Bureau of Indian Affairs to fast-track recognition by the top of the year.
Still, Bush appointees opposed any conversion of land into trust for gaming purposes, desiring to allow casinos only on reservations. The election of Barack Obama was expected to quickly change that attitude, but to this point policies appear to be mirroring the former administration's.
A Shinnecock casino will be the potentially most controversial, because the tribe has examined sites on New york and is even looking on the subject of Ny city. The Mohawks actually had a casino within the works when approval was reversed because the Department of the inner added a clause requiring tribal casinos be within easy traveling distance for reservation residents needing work.
US officials say casinos have to be a source of jobs for Indians, while tribal leaders say revenues from gambling to support tribal members are way more important.
Published on August 7, 2009 by PrestonLewis
Read More... [Source: Native Indian Gambling News]
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