Tribes Discuss Preparedness for Internet Gaming at NIGA Mid-Year Conference
By ICTMN Staff September 24, 2012
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Many of the 184 tribes that are members of the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) gathered last week at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida for the NIGA Mid-Year Membership Meeting, September 18–19.
With 17 states considering legalizing some form of Internet gaming, at the top of their minds was being viable competitors in the potential online market, reported the Sun Sentinel. Jason Giles, NIGA executive director, said he doesn’t expect legislative action until after the November elections.
“We all realize the future of gambling is the younger generation, with online gambling and mobile apps,” said Giles. “And we don’t want a state-run system to get out in front of us.”
While the Seminole Tribe hosted the mid-year conference, the tribe’s representatives declined to comment on any Internet gaming plans. The Seminoles are currently in the process of negotiating a new compact with the state. For its current 20-year agreement, the tribe pays $1 billion to Florida for five-year exclusivity on blackjack and other table games. Collectively, the tribe’s seven casinos earned about $2 billion last year.
