Letter to the Editor
Pub Date: 11/1/2006
Where are they?
Where are the anti-gaming associations?'; where are the anti-gaming legislators?'; where are our other officials who say they are against expansion of gambling? Apparently they are not anti-gambling'; they are only anti-small family owned business in Montana.
Not one person or news reporter or organization has said one word against Glacier Peaks Casino in Browning. This casino is a flagrant violation of IGRA (Indian Gaming Regulatory Act) and the Montana State Constitution. No one is doing anything.
Any community in Montana: Just try to run a fundraiser for your school or any worthwhile charity using blackjack, craps and roulette and see how long it takes the State of Montana to shut you down.
I do not have a problem with Native Americans having an advantage through a negotiated compact with the State of Montana within the guidelines of IGRA. However, the Blackfeet Tribe does not have a compact, therefore they should be allowed only Class ll Indian gaming, which includes traditional Indian games and traditional card-played bingo'; or negotiate a compact.
Possibly the 2007 legislature will seek parity for the citizens of Montana on the gaming issue and allow blackjack, roulette and craps in all licensed gaming businesses ¦maybe then you will hear from the objectors who are against Montana s small independent businesses that are family owned.
Darrell A. Keck
Dixie Inn
Shelby
Source: The Montana Tavern Times, Nov., 2006, published monthly by Continental Communications, 125 W. Granite St., Suite 102, Butte, MT 59701.