The majority of gambling operators across the United States were ecstatic to hear that the Department of Justice had revised the Wire Act to allow certain forms of online gambling. However, Native tribes across the country are unsure how to feel, as some see this as a chance to improve profits while other are worried they may not have enough money to start online gaming sites.
Several Native leaders have expressed their concerns about the future of the gaming market, as a result of the amendment to the law. They believe that if online gambling happens on a federal level, Indian casinos would be squeezed out of the market. They may not be able to compete with sites launched by MGM and other large brands.
According to a report on Politico.com, there are only a few tribes that have the resources necessary to build an online gambling website. Of the 200 that run land-based gambling venues, just a dozen can afford to expand into the online casino world.
Another concern among Native groups is the issue of taxation. In the land-based world, their casinos are not taxed, and there is still some ambiguity concerning the taxation of potential online gambling sites. As a result, Native tribes have requested to be present when online gambling bills are legislated.
