A bipartisan Fair Tribal Gaming Bill is introducing by two members of the U.S. Congress representing a county in hopes will level the playing field for electronic gaming in tribal communities.
Bipartisan Bill
Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo and Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas Equal and Fair Opportunity Act is the bill. It is sponsoring by U.S. Representative Veronica Escobar, Democrat-El Paso, and supported by Representative Tony Gonzales, Republican-San Antonio. This bill would not expand gaming in Texas. But moreover, allow both to offer electronic bingo on reservations. It would make sure they are covering by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. In fact, the Kickapoo Tribe of Texas has in fact been offering bingo and other games. This is in addition to the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino for more than 20 years.
Bipartisan Bill: Long-Overdue Opportunity
“Moreover, very simply, this bipartisan bill seeking parity,” Escobar said in a news release. “This will create a very long-overdue chance for our tribes and communities.
Long Fight for Fairness in Regulatory Gaming
Between tribal and state governments, this bill is the latest development in a long fight for fairness in regulatory gaming. One year before the U.S. Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was by Congress in 1987, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas and the Ysleta Del Sur Pueblo, also known as the Tiguas, were federally recognizing. It was through the Indian Tribes of Texas Restoration Act and they did in fact agree to a prohibition on gambling.
Agreement in 1987
An agreement in 1987, despite being federally recognized, is in fact being upholding despite the state’s legalization of horse and dog track betting. In addition to the creation of a state lottery.
Bringing 561 permanent jobs and almost $140 million to the economy, in 2016, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribes of Texas opened Naskila Entertainment. It is a gaming facility near Livingston, Texas.
“Moreover, I’m very honored to support this bill. It will allow for the Tigua Pueblo. This will not only it to recover and rebuild from the COVID-19 pandemic but in fact grow and expand their economy,” Gonzales said.
