The Nation : Indian Gambling Regulations Approved

The House gave final congressional approval to legislation that would establish a commission to regulate and monitor high-stakes gambling on Indian reservations. The measure went to the White House on a 323-84 vote. The bill provides for joint regulation by the tribes and the federal government of bingo, lotto and certain card games, which would be monitored by a National Indian Gaming Commission. Card games would be subject to state regulations regarding hours of play and betting limits. The measure would permit casinos, horse and dog racing and jai alai on reservations only if the tribes enter into contracts with state governments. Parties may take the matter to federal courts if no agreement is reached. Several tribes, faced with cutbacks in federal money and a limited tax base, have instituted gambling operations to raise needed revenues. Traditional ceremonial gaming would be left solely to the jurisdiction of the tribes.