Five American Indian tribes in North Dakota have signed state compacts, as announced by Governor Doug Burgum.
The recently established tribal-state compacts have introduced two significant changes in tribal casinos. Firstly, the gambling age has been reduced from 21 to 19, enabling younger individuals to participate in gambling activities. Additionally, gamblers will now have the convenience of using credit or debit cards to place their bets.
Unfortunately, those who are eager for state-wide online gambling in North Dakota will have to be patient as it will take more time. However, in the meantime, the agreement does allow online gambling on tribal land.
On December 1, retail sports betting was successfully introduced at the Dakota Magic Casino in Hankinson. The casino, owned and operated by the Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate Tribe, now offers this new form of entertainment.
New ND tribal gambling compacts last for 10 years
Following months of negotiations, Burgum made an announcement on Friday that the tribes have given their approval to the compacts. The initial agreement was set to expire by the end of the year.
Burgum stated in a statement:
We extend our sincere gratitude to the tribal chairs and their representatives for their invaluable collaboration during the lengthy negotiation process. We eagerly anticipate the continuation of our mutually advantageous gaming partnership with the sovereign tribal nations, with whom we coexist geographically.
The recently established compact is set to remain effective for a decade. The tribes in North Dakota encompass:
- The Chippewa Indians of Turtle Mountain
- Sisseton Wahpeton Oyate
- Standing Rock Sioux Tribe
- Spirit Lake Nation
- The Nation of Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara
As per the new agreements, every tribe has committed to contributing $25,000 towards responsible gambling initiatives.
No exclusivity rights for tribes with North Dakota online gambling
The United Tribes Gaming Association (UTGA), comprising the leaders from each of the five tribes in North Dakota, requested exclusive rights to host online gambling and sports betting across the state during initial negotiations.
Burgum stated that expanding gaming was beyond his scope of authority, as there was no clear legal framework for the governor to approve such a wide-ranging expansion.
One of the factors that motivated the UTGA to advocate for exclusive rights was the emergence of Las Vegas-style gaming in the state. The tribes contended that the legalization of pull tab machines in 2017 has negatively impacted tribal casinos.
In fiscal year 2022, approximately $1.75 billion was wagered by gamblers in North Dakota on pull tab machines.
