The Obama administration has decided to allow Indian tribes to build casinos far from their reservations, a practice that was restricted under a rule adopted by President George W. Bush’s Department of the Interior.

 

Permitting the development of casinos far beyond reservation boundaries could mean new gambling opportunities for residents living in major metropolitan areas, such as New York City.

 

Many tribes stand to benefit from the policy change. The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe has sought a casino 350 miles from its reservation that would sit only 90 miles northwest of the Big Apple. The Mississippi Band of Choctaws, operators of two casinos on its reservation, wants a third on land 175 miles away. In Wisconsin, the Lac Du Flambeau band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians seeks a gambling operation 304 miles away from its home lands.

-Noel Brinkerhoff

 

In Shift, Interior Dept. May Allow Tribes to Build Casinos Far From Reservations (by Charles Bagli, New York Times)

Long Island Indians Finally Win Recognition and Casino (by Noel Brinkerhoff, AllGov)