We are part of The Trust Project.
Several pieces need to be exposed in the newly-released draft of the governor’s tribal compact .
First, this compact gives tribes the exclusive ability to conduct internet gaming and sports betting all over North Dakota. Sports betting is one thing and I have no problem with that; however, internet gambling is an entirely different animal. Internet gambling allows for people to bet on their devices, using bank and credit cards. No one has mentioned that this compact allows for unlimited betting limits through accounts in unlimited “facilities” all over the state if the bets are electronically received on tribal land. This will allow for electronic slot machines and electronic table games to be operated in locations off reservations. This compact is a major expansion of gaming, with full-blown high limit gambling allowed in every city across the state.
This compact does not require any gaming taxation on mobile, internet or live gaming. Why would North Dakota not want to collect taxes on a major expansion of gaming? Charitable gaming in the state paid $43 million in taxes last year. The compact allows for credit play, eliminates all betting limits, and removes any oversight by North Dakota.
North Dakota has developed responsible standards for charitable, state-run and tribal gaming over the years. Changes to gaming have been made with the changing times, but what the governor is proposing and has the authority to solely authorize (no legislature input) is mind-blowing. The governor wants to tip the scales to the tribes even further than they are now, essentially wiping out charitable gaming.
Jason Campbell is the gaming director for the West Fargo Hockey Association.
ADVERTISEMENT
This letter does not necessarily reflect the opinion of The Forum's editorial board nor Forum ownership.
