Finally a Decision Made

For the past few months now, the definition of a slot machine versus the definition of a bingo machine has been up in the air. A seemingly minute detail, but the definition would certainly have a huge bearing on a lot of Native American tribes, many of which are highly involved in the casino and gaming industry. The National Indian Gaming Association was reviewing the issue this year, and many tribes were up in arms over the possibility of changing the definition.

The main issue is that some tribes are only allowed to have bingo machines, not Las Vegas style slot machines, and if it was decided that bingo machines would be newly classified as slots, then they would not be allowed to have the bingo machines at all, and would lose the revenue that they depend on to sustain their way of life.

Other tribes would be in trouble because the National Indian Gaming Association has put limits on the number of each machine they are allowed to have, and if bingo machines were to be counted as slot machines, the decision would put them over the limit, which would automatically put them in an unlawful position.

Finally, a decision has been made and announced by the Association, who realized the importance of their role in deciding the fate of the tribes. Taking into account that their decision could potentially create unfair hardship for the Native American population, the Association decided to refrain from reclassification, at least for the time being. Their major issue was that current bingo machines, with their bells and whistles, are becoming more and more like the illegal Vegas-style slot machines, complete with a faster, high-payout experience.

The tribes are happy. For now.

Back to July 2008 Archive.