Republican Gov. Doug Burgum, also chairperson of the five tribal nations of North Dakota, has announced the sealing of the new gambling deal.
The federal government reguates Tribal gambling, while states control commercial casino gambling.
Tribal gambling contracts in North Dakota are set to expire early next year, requiring the negotiation of new deals. Once negotiated, The Department of the Interior has 45 days to approve these new contracts – or ignore them, which, by default, puts them into effect.
“We are deeply grateful to the tribal chairs and their representatives for their collaboration throughout these many months of negotiations, and we look forward to continuing the mutually beneficial gaming partnership between the state and the sovereign tribal nations with whom we share geography,” Burgum said.
So far, the updates include deleting duplication of regulation, cleaning up definition issues and, most importantly, allowing online Class III casino-style gaming and online sports betting, including mobile gaming, within the physical boundaries of the reservations.
Sports betting is legal in 36 states and the District of Columbia. According to the American Gaming Association, Americans are expected to wager around $100 billion this year legally.
According to the AGA, Americans wager roughly $63.8 billion each year on sports through unregulated channels, including local bookies.
North Dakota is home to over 11 tribal casinos that generate around $250 million each year in gambling win, also according to the AGA. There are no commercial casinos.