The highest court in the United States has ruled in favor of Indigenous communities in Texas, determining that the state cannot control the kinds of bingo games they provide on their reservations. This decision represents a significant triumph for the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo, Alabama, and Coushatta nations, who contended that Texas was exceeding its authority by attempting to regulate their gambling activities, particularly electronic bingo. Texas possesses some of the most stringent gambling regulations nationwide, although bingo is generally permitted.
A prominent gaming corporation that collaborates with tribal casinos, AGS, praised the court’s judgment. Chief Executive David Lopez characterized it as a win for tribal autonomy and financial self-reliance. He commended the tribes, emphasizing their tenacity throughout the legal proceedings. This ruling essentially confirms the inherent rights of these communities to self-govern and pursue economic prospects according to their own preferences.
Lopez stated, “The AGS supports our indigenous partners in enacting their rights and hopes they find success in their pursuits now and going forward as self-governing nations here in Texas.
“We are honored to stand alongside all of our Native American collaborators across the nation, particularly these tribes who have tirelessly advocated for the capacity to shape their own financial futures.”
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