State lottery seeks revenue boost from TV show, multistate game - FOX23 News:
"The Hot Lotto game has the same format as Powerball, which is already offered in Oklahoma, and has had an average jackpot of $4.5 million over the past year, Scroggins said.
'Hot Lotto is a game that looks and plays almost exactly like Powerball - it's just better odds and lower prizes,' Scroggins said.
Scroggins hopes the additions will help generate excitement for the lottery, which is projected to finish the fiscal year with $214.7 million in gaming revenues - far short of initial projections. Scroggins blamed the shortfall on competition from tribal casinos and horse racing tracks, the need for additional gaming options and illegal gambling.
Lottery revenues could be helped by also adding video poker, keno or pull-tabs, Scroggins said. "
Saturday, June 30, 2007
Batesville Herald Tribune, Batesville, Indiana - Fourth of July activities
Batesville Herald Tribune, Batesville, Indiana - Fourth of July activities:
"Adult games include a raffle with four $100 cash prizes, Texas poker and pull tabs. "
"Adult games include a raffle with four $100 cash prizes, Texas poker and pull tabs. "
More Fourth fun
More Fourth fun:
"Coon Rapids celebrates today through Wednesday with carnival rides, free concerts, pull tabs and bingo, food and beverages and fireworks at 10 p.m. Wednesday at Sand Creek Park, 1008 Northdale Blvd. (763-767-6565, ext. 601). "
"Coon Rapids celebrates today through Wednesday with carnival rides, free concerts, pull tabs and bingo, food and beverages and fireworks at 10 p.m. Wednesday at Sand Creek Park, 1008 Northdale Blvd. (763-767-6565, ext. 601). "
PineandLakes.com: Jenkins says Pequot Tool may expand 06/13/07
PineandLakes.com: Jenkins says Pequot Tool may expand 06/13/07:
"Council hears charitable gambling request
The Patriots Athletic Club is seeking a gambling premises permit to sell pull-tabs at Underdogs Bar and Grill along with the youth hockey organization. Brett Dale says the group already has a lease and requested the Council put the needed resolution on the July 2 meeting agenda. The club already is selling pull-tabs at PestelloUs and will be starting sales at Manhattan Beach Lodge this summer."
"Council hears charitable gambling request
The Patriots Athletic Club is seeking a gambling premises permit to sell pull-tabs at Underdogs Bar and Grill along with the youth hockey organization. Brett Dale says the group already has a lease and requested the Council put the needed resolution on the July 2 meeting agenda. The club already is selling pull-tabs at PestelloUs and will be starting sales at Manhattan Beach Lodge this summer."
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Police arrest 3 people in pea-shake gambling raid | IndyStar.com
Police arrest 3 people in pea-shake gambling raid IndyStar.com:
"Indianapolis metropolitan police arrested three people in a Near-Northside gambling raid Wednesday.
It was the second time in over a month that the pea-shake house in 1500 block of Columbia Avenue has been raided. Four people who were at the house Wednesday had been present during the previous raid.
Michelle Tunstall, 46; Frank W. Long, 54; and Michael W. Patterson, 52, all of Indianapolis, were arrested on charges of promoting professional gambling. Nine other people were cited for visiting a common nuisance.
Police said pull tabs and baseball pool tickets were being sold at the house, the same items that were being sold during an April 12 raid.
Vice officers said that when they arrived about 10:30 a.m. to serve the search warrant, Long was acting as a lookout, using a two-way radio to warn the people inside. Long and Tunstall face additional preliminary charges of obstruction of justice for using the radios. Several radios were seized in the raid, along with $2,000 in cash."
"Indianapolis metropolitan police arrested three people in a Near-Northside gambling raid Wednesday.
It was the second time in over a month that the pea-shake house in 1500 block of Columbia Avenue has been raided. Four people who were at the house Wednesday had been present during the previous raid.
Michelle Tunstall, 46; Frank W. Long, 54; and Michael W. Patterson, 52, all of Indianapolis, were arrested on charges of promoting professional gambling. Nine other people were cited for visiting a common nuisance.
Police said pull tabs and baseball pool tickets were being sold at the house, the same items that were being sold during an April 12 raid.
Vice officers said that when they arrived about 10:30 a.m. to serve the search warrant, Long was acting as a lookout, using a two-way radio to warn the people inside. Long and Tunstall face additional preliminary charges of obstruction of justice for using the radios. Several radios were seized in the raid, along with $2,000 in cash."
Gambling and taxes dominate town meeting | The Star Press - www.thestarpress.com - Muncie, IN
Gambling and taxes dominate town meeting The Star Press - www.thestarpress.com - Muncie, IN: "MUNCIE -- Huge property-tax increases and a crackdown on illegal gaming like drawings and pull tabs in local taverns dominated discussion during a legislative town hall on Wednesday.
'Is that a possibility that taxes will raise that high?' retired auto worker Mike Burns asked about recent reports of skyrocketing property tax bills."
'Is that a possibility that taxes will raise that high?' retired auto worker Mike Burns asked about recent reports of skyrocketing property tax bills."
State-Journal.com
State-Journal.com:
"Because of declining attendance at bingo games, more Franklin County charities are hosting Texas Hold'em poker fundraisers.
Dave Cobb is organizing a Texas Hold'em fundraiser for the American Legion Post 7 this weekend. The Legion will use the money to purchase care packages for soldiers overseas and to support veterans and their families.
'Bingos have normally been a large source of revenue, but they are not doing as well as they have been,' Cobb told The State Journal. 'Texas Hold'em is a hot item, they are playing it all over the place, and I thought we should give it a shot ourselves.'
The poker tournament will be 9 p.m. Saturday at the Legion post on Versailles Road. A $75 buy-in gives players $2,000 in chips and they can purchase additional chips for $30 per rebuy. The first place prize is $5,000, but will be adjusted if less than 150 players attend.
Cobb said a number of factors have contributed to a decline in bingo profits, including high gas prices and the smoking ban which went into effect last year. With high gas prices, people have less money to spend on entertainment, Cobb said. Many players have also left because they can't smoke any more during games, he said."
"Because of declining attendance at bingo games, more Franklin County charities are hosting Texas Hold'em poker fundraisers.
Dave Cobb is organizing a Texas Hold'em fundraiser for the American Legion Post 7 this weekend. The Legion will use the money to purchase care packages for soldiers overseas and to support veterans and their families.
'Bingos have normally been a large source of revenue, but they are not doing as well as they have been,' Cobb told The State Journal. 'Texas Hold'em is a hot item, they are playing it all over the place, and I thought we should give it a shot ourselves.'
The poker tournament will be 9 p.m. Saturday at the Legion post on Versailles Road. A $75 buy-in gives players $2,000 in chips and they can purchase additional chips for $30 per rebuy. The first place prize is $5,000, but will be adjusted if less than 150 players attend.
Cobb said a number of factors have contributed to a decline in bingo profits, including high gas prices and the smoking ban which went into effect last year. With high gas prices, people have less money to spend on entertainment, Cobb said. Many players have also left because they can't smoke any more during games, he said."
Gambling crackdown coming | The Star Press - www.thestarpress.com - Muncie, IN
Gambling crackdown coming The Star Press - www.thestarpress.com - Muncie, IN:
"We won't approve a license until the (gambling-related) fine is paid,' said Clevenger, who is joined on the ABB by John Sutters and James Lutton.
The excise police crackdown on drawings, sports pools and pull tabs in bars and restaurants comes in the wake of last year's arrest of Delaware County resident John Neal on video gambling and money laundering charges. That investigation led to the shutdown of bars -- in Delaware, Madison and Henry counties -- with ties to Neal and his video gaming empire.
The ABB oversees alcohol sales in nearly 1,000 bars, clubs, restaurants, groceries, drug stores, convenience stores and other retailers. Muncie has 56 restaurant and bar permits, over the city's quota of 45.
Clevenger said a new retailer, Gas America, recently applied to sell warm beer and wine, also noting that some bars connected to Neal remained closed."
"We won't approve a license until the (gambling-related) fine is paid,' said Clevenger, who is joined on the ABB by John Sutters and James Lutton.
The excise police crackdown on drawings, sports pools and pull tabs in bars and restaurants comes in the wake of last year's arrest of Delaware County resident John Neal on video gambling and money laundering charges. That investigation led to the shutdown of bars -- in Delaware, Madison and Henry counties -- with ties to Neal and his video gaming empire.
The ABB oversees alcohol sales in nearly 1,000 bars, clubs, restaurants, groceries, drug stores, convenience stores and other retailers. Muncie has 56 restaurant and bar permits, over the city's quota of 45.
Clevenger said a new retailer, Gas America, recently applied to sell warm beer and wine, also noting that some bars connected to Neal remained closed."
Friday, May 11, 2007
The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman
The Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman:
"WASILLA - When Tennessee accountant Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker's Main Event in 2003, he set off a tidal wave of poker popularity in the United States that has yet to crest.
Today, poker has become a nationwide phenomenon, with high-profile professional players competing with amateurs for billions of dollars in prize money annually. The most popular form of the game - no limit Texas Hold 'Em - is widely televised and played by millions of players in live games and online on a daily basis.
Poker in Alaska occupies a gray area of legality. Gambling for money in the state is technically illegal, although authorities typically turn a blind eye to casual “home” games played between friends.
But players who want live action on a regular basis are often out of luck. Underground, for-profit - or “raked” - poker rooms in the state operate outside the law, but raids on such games are rare.
That changed in the Valley on April 14, when members of the Alaska State Troopers' Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Enforcement, along with Palmer and Wasilla police, conducted a high-profile bust on a Wasilla building that led to the arrest - and subsequent felony charges - against five area residents. Warrants were also served on six private residences in Anchorage and the Valley."
"WASILLA - When Tennessee accountant Chris Moneymaker won the World Series of Poker's Main Event in 2003, he set off a tidal wave of poker popularity in the United States that has yet to crest.
Today, poker has become a nationwide phenomenon, with high-profile professional players competing with amateurs for billions of dollars in prize money annually. The most popular form of the game - no limit Texas Hold 'Em - is widely televised and played by millions of players in live games and online on a daily basis.
Poker in Alaska occupies a gray area of legality. Gambling for money in the state is technically illegal, although authorities typically turn a blind eye to casual “home” games played between friends.
But players who want live action on a regular basis are often out of luck. Underground, for-profit - or “raked” - poker rooms in the state operate outside the law, but raids on such games are rare.
That changed in the Valley on April 14, when members of the Alaska State Troopers' Bureau of Alcohol and Drug Enforcement, along with Palmer and Wasilla police, conducted a high-profile bust on a Wasilla building that led to the arrest - and subsequent felony charges - against five area residents. Warrants were also served on six private residences in Anchorage and the Valley."
Journal Gazette | 04/25/2007 | Legislators consider pull-tabs for taverns
Journal Gazette 04/25/2007 Legislators consider pull-tabs for taverns:
"INDIANAPOLIS – An attempt to crack down on illegal gambling could include a measure to allow bars and taverns to offer paper pull-tab games.
The discussion occurred Tuesday during the first public negotiation on a charity gaming bill that also seeks to limit Cherry Master machines.
There was little comment about the original core of the House Bill 1510, which updates provisions for the Indiana Gaming Commission on various charitable gaming issues.
But committee members considered allowing bars and taverns that initially sought authority to operate electronic gaming devices to instead have paper pull-tabs, a game similar to one offered by the Hoosier Lottery and something already allowed in charitable fraternal organizations or clubs.
Pull-tab distributors describe them as small paper games of chance used for profit-making or fundraising. The front side of the pull-tab shows winning combinations of symbols and prizes a player can win. The back side of the pull tab has windows to open. If the symbols underneath the pull-tab windows match the winning combinations on the front of the pull tab, the player wins.
Testimony indicated that pull-tab tickets would cost $1 each. The low-stakes game pays back about 70 percent of the money, with 30 percent of the revenue retained by the owner or group running the game."
"INDIANAPOLIS – An attempt to crack down on illegal gambling could include a measure to allow bars and taverns to offer paper pull-tab games.
The discussion occurred Tuesday during the first public negotiation on a charity gaming bill that also seeks to limit Cherry Master machines.
There was little comment about the original core of the House Bill 1510, which updates provisions for the Indiana Gaming Commission on various charitable gaming issues.
But committee members considered allowing bars and taverns that initially sought authority to operate electronic gaming devices to instead have paper pull-tabs, a game similar to one offered by the Hoosier Lottery and something already allowed in charitable fraternal organizations or clubs.
Pull-tab distributors describe them as small paper games of chance used for profit-making or fundraising. The front side of the pull-tab shows winning combinations of symbols and prizes a player can win. The back side of the pull tab has windows to open. If the symbols underneath the pull-tab windows match the winning combinations on the front of the pull tab, the player wins.
Testimony indicated that pull-tab tickets would cost $1 each. The low-stakes game pays back about 70 percent of the money, with 30 percent of the revenue retained by the owner or group running the game."
Gambling compromise sought
Gambling compromise sought:
"INDIANAPOLIS -- State lawmakers seeking a compromise on legislation to crack down on illegal gambling are considering whether to let bars and restaurants sell low-wager paper gambling cards, as nonprofit clubs are allowed to do.
The pull-tabs -- small paper games of chance, typically sold for $1 each -- are common in bars and taverns. Although the cards are illegal, the law rarely is enforced. But bars risk fines, criminal charges or loss of their liquor licenses if caught selling them.
That risk could become greater under House Bill 1510, which is designed to clamp down on illegal gambling, in part by adding 25 excise officers and a special prosecutor to pursue the cases.
Yesterday, Brad Klopfenstein, executive director of the Indiana Licensed Beverage Association, urged the conference committee looking for a compromise to consider letting bars and restaurants that sell alcohol have some small form of legal gambling. "
"INDIANAPOLIS -- State lawmakers seeking a compromise on legislation to crack down on illegal gambling are considering whether to let bars and restaurants sell low-wager paper gambling cards, as nonprofit clubs are allowed to do.
The pull-tabs -- small paper games of chance, typically sold for $1 each -- are common in bars and taverns. Although the cards are illegal, the law rarely is enforced. But bars risk fines, criminal charges or loss of their liquor licenses if caught selling them.
That risk could become greater under House Bill 1510, which is designed to clamp down on illegal gambling, in part by adding 25 excise officers and a special prosecutor to pursue the cases.
Yesterday, Brad Klopfenstein, executive director of the Indiana Licensed Beverage Association, urged the conference committee looking for a compromise to consider letting bars and restaurants that sell alcohol have some small form of legal gambling. "
Saturday, April 21, 2007
Alaska Star - Your Community Newspaper: Eklutna submits for Indian gaming permit 04/12/07
Alaska Star - Your Community Newspaper: Eklutna submits for Indian gaming permit 04/12/07:
"The NIGC's primary mission is to regulate gaming activities on Indian lands for the purpose of shielding Indian tribes from organized crime and other corrupting influences and to ensure that Indian tribes are the primary beneficiaries of gaming revenue.
According to Pensoneau, in passing the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988, Congress included the definition of Class II and Class III gaming.
Class II gaming includes bingo, pull tabs, lotto, punch boards and non-house banked card games authorized or not explicitly prohibited by the state in which the tribal operation is located.
“The gambling that most people think of is Class III gaming,” Pensoneau said. “Vegas-style games like blackjack, craps and roulette.”"
"The NIGC's primary mission is to regulate gaming activities on Indian lands for the purpose of shielding Indian tribes from organized crime and other corrupting influences and to ensure that Indian tribes are the primary beneficiaries of gaming revenue.
According to Pensoneau, in passing the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988, Congress included the definition of Class II and Class III gaming.
Class II gaming includes bingo, pull tabs, lotto, punch boards and non-house banked card games authorized or not explicitly prohibited by the state in which the tribal operation is located.
“The gambling that most people think of is Class III gaming,” Pensoneau said. “Vegas-style games like blackjack, craps and roulette.”"
Entertainment galore at the Bingo Plex
Entertainment galore at the Bingo Plex:
"Bingo Plex has a choice of two bingo halls, a 75 ball, and the newly introduced 90 ball, which is steadily increasing in popularity. Each hall has its own progressive bingo jackpot. At the time of writing this, the progressive JP in the 75 ball hall stands at an amazing $8,384.69 and climbing! Who wouldn’t say no to a chance of winning that? The progressive jackpots always re-start at $1000 minimum, so even if you don’t hit the current big one, the next JP starts climbing very quickly.
As well as the great game of bingo, and the exciting chat games, there are also slots games to play, incorporating 3, 4, and 5 reels, as well as the very popular Bank Heist, which currently has a progressive JP of $21,210.01. With Keno, Pull Tabs, Video Poker, and Black Jack, what more could you wish for your online entertainment! www.bingoplex.com"
"Bingo Plex has a choice of two bingo halls, a 75 ball, and the newly introduced 90 ball, which is steadily increasing in popularity. Each hall has its own progressive bingo jackpot. At the time of writing this, the progressive JP in the 75 ball hall stands at an amazing $8,384.69 and climbing! Who wouldn’t say no to a chance of winning that? The progressive jackpots always re-start at $1000 minimum, so even if you don’t hit the current big one, the next JP starts climbing very quickly.
As well as the great game of bingo, and the exciting chat games, there are also slots games to play, incorporating 3, 4, and 5 reels, as well as the very popular Bank Heist, which currently has a progressive JP of $21,210.01. With Keno, Pull Tabs, Video Poker, and Black Jack, what more could you wish for your online entertainment! www.bingoplex.com"
Tax to be lowered on bingo parlors | KXNet.com North Dakota News
Tax to be lowered on bingo parlors KXNet.com North Dakota News:
"Since then, charities have been hurt.
(Sen. Bill Bowman / (R) Bowman) 'I did see an email that said 58 towns are going to benefit from this. The only thing that I was disappointed in is how how many towns would've benefited if included pull tabs, if you want to treat charities, treat them all the same.'
The bill saves the bingo industry one point two million dollars a biennium."
"Since then, charities have been hurt.
(Sen. Bill Bowman / (R) Bowman) 'I did see an email that said 58 towns are going to benefit from this. The only thing that I was disappointed in is how how many towns would've benefited if included pull tabs, if you want to treat charities, treat them all the same.'
The bill saves the bingo industry one point two million dollars a biennium."
KTUU.com | Alaska's news and information source | When is poker illegal?
KTUU.com Alaska's news and information source When is poker illegal?:
"Bingo and pull tabs are the two types of gaming in the state where someone can actually profit; so, much of the state's efforts on controlling gaming are spent watching these establishments."
"Bingo and pull tabs are the two types of gaming in the state where someone can actually profit; so, much of the state's efforts on controlling gaming are spent watching these establishments."
Monday, April 09, 2007
Village asks for license to gamble - South Sound - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington
Village asks for license to gamble - South Sound - The Olympian - Olympia, Washington: "Village asks for license to gamble
Elizabeth Bluemink
Anchorage Daily News
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The Native village of Eklutna applied this week for federal permission to operate a gambling center on tribal land about 20 miles from Anchorage.
The village asked the National Indian Gaming Commission for Class II gaming authorization, which allows bingo, pull tabs or an electronic version of those games.
The village said in a written statement Friday that its proposed gaming center could be positive for the local economy, creating new jobs and enhancing tourism.
'We were told this would not be a full-on casino-type operation,' said city attorney Jim Reeves.
Anchorage and state officials said they are watching the village request closely. The Washington, D.C.-based commission must rule on it within 90 days.
Not casino friendly
In the past, Alaska has fought off attempts to establish casinos or high-stakes pull-tab games on tribal land here.
The only gambling allowed in Alaska is for nonprofit purposes, though even nonprofit gambling here is a big business, with spending exceeding $349 million in 2005, according to state reports.
Under Alaska law, any kind of casino is illegal, including charitable or American Indian-owned.
A key factor in getting federal approval for non-casino Class II gambling is determining whether Eklutna's tribal land can even be used for gambling.
The village, which filed Tuesday, asked federal regulators to decide whether the 8-acre plot on which they hope to build a gaming center - a family-owned American Indian allotment near the Birchwood Airport - meets the definition of tribal land."
Elizabeth Bluemink
Anchorage Daily News
ANCHORAGE, Alaska - The Native village of Eklutna applied this week for federal permission to operate a gambling center on tribal land about 20 miles from Anchorage.
The village asked the National Indian Gaming Commission for Class II gaming authorization, which allows bingo, pull tabs or an electronic version of those games.
The village said in a written statement Friday that its proposed gaming center could be positive for the local economy, creating new jobs and enhancing tourism.
'We were told this would not be a full-on casino-type operation,' said city attorney Jim Reeves.
Anchorage and state officials said they are watching the village request closely. The Washington, D.C.-based commission must rule on it within 90 days.
Not casino friendly
In the past, Alaska has fought off attempts to establish casinos or high-stakes pull-tab games on tribal land here.
The only gambling allowed in Alaska is for nonprofit purposes, though even nonprofit gambling here is a big business, with spending exceeding $349 million in 2005, according to state reports.
Under Alaska law, any kind of casino is illegal, including charitable or American Indian-owned.
A key factor in getting federal approval for non-casino Class II gambling is determining whether Eklutna's tribal land can even be used for gambling.
The village, which filed Tuesday, asked federal regulators to decide whether the 8-acre plot on which they hope to build a gaming center - a family-owned American Indian allotment near the Birchwood Airport - meets the definition of tribal land."
Cutting through red tape (April 8, 2007)
Cutting through red tape (April 8, 2007):
Cutting through red tape
Several hurdles must be cleared before an Indian-owned casino can be built:
1) Federal recognition. The right to build a casino under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 applies only to federally recognized tribes.
2) Federally recognized tribes must acquire what the federal government defines as ''Indian lands.”
3) Indian land must be taken into trust by the federal government at the request of tribal applicants. That process is overseen by the Department of Interior and requires the tribal applicant to submit a detailed plan describing how the tribe plans to use the land.
A Government Accountability Office study last year found the Department of Interior takes an average of a year or more to process land-into-trust applications. In one case, it took the federal agency 19 years to process an application, the study found.
As of September 2005, there were 28 off-reservation applications waiting an average of 1.4 years to be processed. There were also 34 appeals filed, taking an average of three years before a decision was rendered."
Cutting through red tape
Several hurdles must be cleared before an Indian-owned casino can be built:
1) Federal recognition. The right to build a casino under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988 applies only to federally recognized tribes.
2) Federally recognized tribes must acquire what the federal government defines as ''Indian lands.”
3) Indian land must be taken into trust by the federal government at the request of tribal applicants. That process is overseen by the Department of Interior and requires the tribal applicant to submit a detailed plan describing how the tribe plans to use the land.
A Government Accountability Office study last year found the Department of Interior takes an average of a year or more to process land-into-trust applications. In one case, it took the federal agency 19 years to process an application, the study found.
As of September 2005, there were 28 off-reservation applications waiting an average of 1.4 years to be processed. There were also 34 appeals filed, taking an average of three years before a decision was rendered."
Saturday, March 31, 2007
The Independent - Marshall, MN
The Independent - Marshall, MN:
"“We sell a lot of pull tabs,” Sodemann said. “A lot of people who gamble also smoke. Is our pull tab business going to go down?”
The community of Marshall will lose if the pull tab revenues decline, Sodemann said.
Pull tabs have generated tens of thousands of dollars for the Legion ball park, for flag poles and other community investments, Sodemann said.
The owners or managers at all four bars said they expect a statewide ban to pass. The only questions are when it will take effect and if smoking rooms would be allowed as well as patios."
"“We sell a lot of pull tabs,” Sodemann said. “A lot of people who gamble also smoke. Is our pull tab business going to go down?”
The community of Marshall will lose if the pull tab revenues decline, Sodemann said.
Pull tabs have generated tens of thousands of dollars for the Legion ball park, for flag poles and other community investments, Sodemann said.
The owners or managers at all four bars said they expect a statewide ban to pass. The only questions are when it will take effect and if smoking rooms would be allowed as well as patios."
Monday, March 12, 2007
Wisconsin lawmakers hear 'State of the Tribes' address
by: Abbey Thompson / Indian Country Today
© Indian Country Today March 12, 2007. All Rights Reserved
MADISON, Wis. - In what was a Native woman's strong call for cooperative action between tribal and state legislators, Patricia DePerry, chairman of the Red Cliff Band of Ojibwe in Wisconsin, delivered the 3rd Annual ''State of the Tribes'' address before lawmakers at the Wisconsin State Assembly regular session on March 1. The annual event was held by invitation of Assembly Speaker Michael Huebsch. DePerry spoke on behalf of the 11 tribes in Wisconsin. A drum ceremony and a Veteran's color guard procession kicked off the forum. Eagle staffs mingled with flags, as elected officials and representatives of the tribal nations of Wisconsin (Ojibwe, Potawatomi, Stockbridge-Munsee, Menominee and Ho-Chunk) met in the state Capitol's assembly chamber. Leon ''Boycee'' Valliere, Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe, gave the opening prayer - an invocation delivered in both Anishinabe (Ojibwe) and English. DePerry's speech covered issues facing the tribes, including gaming, sovereignty, racism and underfunded health, education and welfare programs. The outspoken tribal leader urged state lawmakers to uphold tribal sovereignty, ''a decree ordered by the United States government when treaties were signed.'' According to DePerry, ''It's not up for negotiation; it is not up for discussion. It is the law.'' She said tribes today have much to be hopeful about but many problems still exist, including poverty, alcoholism and drug abuse. ''We want for our tribes what the state wants for 'theirs': better health, better education; we want it all.'' DePerry shared childhood memories, being the oldest of nine children born to alcoholic parents. She attended a Catholic school where she was physically abused until she ''stood up'' to her nun schoolteacher and demanded an end to the abuse in seventh grade. ''The moral to this story is we need to be protectors of each other, of those that cannot, for whatever reason, stand up for themselves,'' she said. This sentiment perhaps is a reflection of the current situation in Wisconsin among tribes vying for off-reservation casinos. Most tribes have on-reservation casinos; yet, due to varying geographic locations, there are only three large, profit-making casinos - those owned by the Ho-Chunk, Oneida and Potawatomi. Rural tribes in northern Wisconsin continue to battle the state and other tribes for off-reservation casino approval. ''That is tearing us apart,'' she said. ''Some of us have made it in gaming and some of us haven't.'' She used her home as an example. ''Red Cliff hasn't made it. We sit on the northernmost tip of Wisconsin. Apostle Island country, that's up north. We have problems up there, big-time problems.'' She also discussed the importance of lawmakers being more educated on the topic of treaty rights, which has been one of the top issues concerning Wisconsin tribes since the Voigt Decision of 1983, upholding the rights of the state's Chippewa tribes to hunt, fish and gather off-reservation. DePerry, also recently chosen as the first woman to serve as chair of Wisconsin's Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, was critical of the state DNR. She told members of the Assembly that conflicts between DNR game wardens and tribal members stem from misunderstandings of tribal sovereignty. In closing, she asked for continuing cooperation between the tribes and the state, ''whatever color we may be.''
Please visit the Indian Country Today website for more articles related to this topic.
© Indian Country Today March 12, 2007. All Rights Reserved
MADISON, Wis. - In what was a Native woman's strong call for cooperative action between tribal and state legislators, Patricia DePerry, chairman of the Red Cliff Band of Ojibwe in Wisconsin, delivered the 3rd Annual ''State of the Tribes'' address before lawmakers at the Wisconsin State Assembly regular session on March 1. The annual event was held by invitation of Assembly Speaker Michael Huebsch. DePerry spoke on behalf of the 11 tribes in Wisconsin. A drum ceremony and a Veteran's color guard procession kicked off the forum. Eagle staffs mingled with flags, as elected officials and representatives of the tribal nations of Wisconsin (Ojibwe, Potawatomi, Stockbridge-Munsee, Menominee and Ho-Chunk) met in the state Capitol's assembly chamber. Leon ''Boycee'' Valliere, Lac du Flambeau Ojibwe, gave the opening prayer - an invocation delivered in both Anishinabe (Ojibwe) and English. DePerry's speech covered issues facing the tribes, including gaming, sovereignty, racism and underfunded health, education and welfare programs. The outspoken tribal leader urged state lawmakers to uphold tribal sovereignty, ''a decree ordered by the United States government when treaties were signed.'' According to DePerry, ''It's not up for negotiation; it is not up for discussion. It is the law.'' She said tribes today have much to be hopeful about but many problems still exist, including poverty, alcoholism and drug abuse. ''We want for our tribes what the state wants for 'theirs': better health, better education; we want it all.'' DePerry shared childhood memories, being the oldest of nine children born to alcoholic parents. She attended a Catholic school where she was physically abused until she ''stood up'' to her nun schoolteacher and demanded an end to the abuse in seventh grade. ''The moral to this story is we need to be protectors of each other, of those that cannot, for whatever reason, stand up for themselves,'' she said. This sentiment perhaps is a reflection of the current situation in Wisconsin among tribes vying for off-reservation casinos. Most tribes have on-reservation casinos; yet, due to varying geographic locations, there are only three large, profit-making casinos - those owned by the Ho-Chunk, Oneida and Potawatomi. Rural tribes in northern Wisconsin continue to battle the state and other tribes for off-reservation casino approval. ''That is tearing us apart,'' she said. ''Some of us have made it in gaming and some of us haven't.'' She used her home as an example. ''Red Cliff hasn't made it. We sit on the northernmost tip of Wisconsin. Apostle Island country, that's up north. We have problems up there, big-time problems.'' She also discussed the importance of lawmakers being more educated on the topic of treaty rights, which has been one of the top issues concerning Wisconsin tribes since the Voigt Decision of 1983, upholding the rights of the state's Chippewa tribes to hunt, fish and gather off-reservation. DePerry, also recently chosen as the first woman to serve as chair of Wisconsin's Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council, was critical of the state DNR. She told members of the Assembly that conflicts between DNR game wardens and tribal members stem from misunderstandings of tribal sovereignty. In closing, she asked for continuing cooperation between the tribes and the state, ''whatever color we may be.''
Please visit the Indian Country Today website for more articles related to this topic.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
Columbian.com - Serving Clark County, Washington
Columbian.com - Serving Clark County, Washington:
"Gambling interests play off each other in endless bid for more, more, more
The old game of legal-gambling leapfrog in Washington state is in full swing, with those in power expanding gambling while saying they don't like to see gambling expanded.
The next big boost to gambling in this state is likely to come in a March 9 meeting of the state Gambling Commission (wsgc.wa.gov), whose ex-officio members include Rep. Richard Curtis, R-La Center. It'd be refreshing to see the commission bring at least a temporary halt to the game then and there.
Legal-gambling leapfrog is many years old in Washington and has several major players, including: La Center-style mini-casinos and recreational cardrooms; tribal casinos; bingo parlors; the state Lottery; race tracks, punchcards and pulltabs. "
"Gambling interests play off each other in endless bid for more, more, more
The old game of legal-gambling leapfrog in Washington state is in full swing, with those in power expanding gambling while saying they don't like to see gambling expanded.
The next big boost to gambling in this state is likely to come in a March 9 meeting of the state Gambling Commission (wsgc.wa.gov), whose ex-officio members include Rep. Richard Curtis, R-La Center. It'd be refreshing to see the commission bring at least a temporary halt to the game then and there.
Legal-gambling leapfrog is many years old in Washington and has several major players, including: La Center-style mini-casinos and recreational cardrooms; tribal casinos; bingo parlors; the state Lottery; race tracks, punchcards and pulltabs. "
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