US tribal groups are taking internet gambling seriously
News on 4 Apr 2013
News on 4 Apr 2013
The tribal news service Pechanga.net has become the latest organiser of conferences that will focus on the impact and opportunities of legalised online gambling for tribal gambling entities.
The company is sponsoring “Indian Country Online: The 2013 Congress” which will take place June 3-4 at Pechanga Resort and Casino in Temecula, California, with internet gambling high on the agenda.
A number of lobbyists have pointed out in recent assessments that US tribal casinos are showing increased interest in internet gambling and the possibilities of combining with other tribes on the issue.
Not all tribes are positive about online gambling, some seeing it as a threat, whilst others are concerned that the growing trend toward legalisation, and the opportunities it may present, could pass them by.
Tribal interest in the subject has been evident at several recent conferences, prompting Pechanga to step up with its own presentation, which spokesmen claim will be the biggest and most influential to date.
Victor Rocha, owner of Pechanga.net, explained his motivation in setting up the conference, saying:
“I felt there was an urgent need for us to look beyond the current debate on online gaming and focus on the entire industry, including the myriad of business opportunities that will be created by iGaming and e-commerce.
“Creating this conference is my way of pulling back the curtains and demonstrating that every tribe in the country can have a role and an opportunity to benefit in some real and direct way. No tribe should be left behind!”
Pechanga’s initiative has been endorsed by the influential Spectrum Gaming Group, whose md, Michael Pollock, said this week:
“With the prospect of online wagering, tribal councils face a combination of opportunities and challenges, along with a cacophony of opinions, interpretations, and legislative issues. This conference has been structured to cut through the noise, identify the opportunities and chart some realistic pathways.”
