Indian Bingo Games Protected by Court From State, County

State and local governments may not regulate high-stakes bingo games and other gambling operations on Indian reservations, the Supreme Court ruled today.

By a 6-3 vote, the court barred state and county officials from interfering with such activities by two tribes on their reservations in Riverside County, Calif. The decision could affect tribal bingo operations that bring in millions of dollars each year in 18 states.

The justices said that such state and local regulation may be allowed only if Congress consents, and that it has not done so.

California law and a Riverside County ordinance strictly regulate bingo game jackpots and require that they be operated by a charitable organization’s members.

But the laws do not affect bingo games at the reservations of the Cabazon and Morongo tribes, which are for profit. Their jackpots include new cars, trucks and boats and cash awards worth thousands.