Published on: November 14, 2024, 02:19h.
Last updated on: November 14, 2024, 02:19h.
The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas has expressed concern about the rise of online lottery services in the state, labeling it as unlawful gambling expansion and urging legislative action.
In a letter sent to the Senate State Affairs committee, the Kickapoo general counsel, Jason C. Nelson, highlighted how courier services were impacting the tribe’s finances by facilitating online gaming experiences that simulate real-time games of chance.
The tribe operates the Lucky Eagle Casino Hotel on its reservation in Eagle Pass, offering electronic bingo machines and poker.
Lottery courier services go beyond traditional delivery services by providing comprehensive online gaming experiences that mimic unlawful internet gaming activities,” Nelson wrote.
Nelson emphasized that purchasing a lottery ticket is akin to placing a bet, and each drawing serves as the outcome of that bet, circumventing the state’s ban on internet gaming.
Clarification on Reports
Contrary to a recent report by The Texas Scorecard, Nelson did not mention seeking class III gaming unless lottery courier services were prohibited by the legislature.
The letter did not discuss plans for class III gaming expansion, which includes Las Vegas-style slots and table games. Casino.org has reached out to the tribe for clarification on this matter.
Under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), tribes can offer class II gaming if it is legal in some form elsewhere in the state. Class III gaming requires a tribal-state compact approved by the federal government.
Although the tribe has previously pursued class III gaming, the state has consistently opposed such efforts.
Lottery Controversies
Lottery couriers have sparked debate in Texas, with some companies assisting a gambling syndicate in purchasing millions of tickets for a single draw, resulting in a substantial jackpot win.
While lottery ticket sales via telephone and online gambling are prohibited in Texas, courier companies argue that their services are legal as they only facilitate ticket delivery. The Kickapoo Tribe disputes this interpretation.
The legislature is expected to address this issue during the upcoming 2025 session.