Tribal Slot Machines Changing

According to the Baraboo News Republic, the National Indian Gaming Commission is considering an overhaul of Class II slot machines. Currently, the Class II slot machines are the only slot machines allowed in many of the tribal casinos. They are only allowed Class III slot machines if they are offered somewhere else in the state, such as in New Jersey or Nevada. According to the source, “Some slot machines and other games played in Native American casinos across the country could be removed if a federal oversight agency has its way.”

The tribes are not excited by this prospect, as they need their slot machines as a major source of revenue and are not willing to give them up. “Ho-Chunk Nation spokesperson Katie Matha said the law could affect bingo, poker rooms and some slot machines at the Nation's various casinos and gaming facilities, including the large Ho-Chunk Casino north of Baraboo. She said the entire operation at the Nation's De Jope gaming facility in Madison is comprised of Class II [slot] machines.”

The U.S. Justice Department has been dealing with a half dozen appeals cases lost where it was argued that Class II slot machines are really just the same as Class III slot machines. That there is no difference in the slot machines at all. Much of this also stems from the fact that the states have very little control over the slot machines that the tribes bring in, according to federal laws. They can only bring in a Class III if it is offered elsewhere in the state, but even in state’s where gambling is illegal – Class II slot machines can be offered.

Back to Monthly Archive // Main Slot Machine News Index