Tribal Leaders Support Online Gambling with Burgum

Tribal leaders are expressing optimism for the future of online gambling as Doug Burgum, the Governor of North Dakota, is appointed as the new Secretary of the Interior. With his history of working closely with tribes, many see his appointment as a positive development for tribal gaming, particularly in the realm of online casino and sports betting expansion. Tribal leaders believe Burgum will support the continued modernization of gaming, following the lead of states like Florida, and help pave the way for more tribes to include online gambling in their state compacts.

Burgum’s appointment as Secretary of the Interior places him at the center of the federal oversight of tribal gaming. His role involves reviewing compacts between tribes and states to ensure they align with the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), a key law governing tribal gaming. Tribal leaders hope that under Burgum’s leadership, many tribes across the nation will follow in the footsteps of the Seminole Tribe, which secured online sports betting in its compact with Florida. The hope is that Burgum will continue supporting such efforts and provide a more favorable environment for expanding tribal gaming into the online space.

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Chairwoman Janet Alkire praised Burgum’s track record with North Dakota’s tribes, describing him as someone who understands the importance of tribal partnerships. “We’ve never had any issues when it comes to compacting with the state of North Dakota,” Alkire said, emphasizing Burgum’s open communication and willingness to listen to tribal concerns. Similarly, Ernie Stevens Jr., Chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, expressed confidence in Burgum’s ability to work effectively with tribes. “Gov. Burgum appears to be a bright spot,” Stevens stated, noting his fair approach and cordial communication with tribal governments.

Burgum’s previous work with North Dakota tribes provides additional reasons for optimism. In 2022, he negotiated new gaming compacts with state tribes that incorporated language allowing for mobile gaming, contingent on state and federal approval. Although a controversial legal battle over the Seminole Tribe’s compact temporarily delayed such efforts, Burgum’s proactive stance paved the way for future opportunities. With the Seminole compact later reinstated by the U.S. Court of Appeals, the legal framework for online gaming was solidified, offering hope for further expansion in North Dakota and other states.

Gov. Burgum appears to be a bright spot… he works with tribes, he’s fair, cordial and effectively communicates with tribal governments, and that’s all we can ask for in the work we do.

 

The Future

As Secretary of the Interior, Burgum’s influence on tribal gaming policy could play a pivotal role in shaping the future of online gaming in the U.S. Tribal leaders across the country, including those from California, are hopeful that Burgum’s approach will continue to respect tribal sovereignty while facilitating growth in online gaming opportunities. With an emphasis on self-governance and the continued evolution of sports betting, many believe that Burgum’s leadership could usher in the largest expansion of tribal gaming to date.