Morongo Chairman Testifies Against Internet Gambling

Last week, Robert Martin, Chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, testified in Washington D.C. against legislation to legalize and regulate Internet gambling in the United States. Martin told the House Financial Services Committee, chaired by Rep. Barney Frank, that the bills to legalize and regulate Internet gambling in the United States will put tribes at a distinct competitive disadvantage and asking why congress would want to protect foreign illegal operators to the detriment of existing American jobs.

“The legislation will do nothing but legalize off-shore gaming” at the expense of the “thousands of people” the Indian gaming industry employs, Martin said.

Bills H.R. 2266 and 2267, authored by Frank's, outline the process for pre-qualified companies to obtain licenses to solicit real money customers from the United States for all but online sports bets — and delays regulations of the 2006 Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act by one year.

Martin said tribes were not consulted on the extension adding that, “Jobs are being lost and capital is fleeing our shores every day the 2006 Act fails to be enforced.”

Cheryl Schmit, director of the watchdog group Stand Up For California, said Thursday's testimony shows the tribe is serious about holding its ground.

“They're being very protective of that market and the future of their industry,'' she said. “No one can deny that gaming has been a valuable economic resource to tribes. It's protectionist.”

Those in support of the legislation during the hearing were Rep. Robert Wexler, D-Fla., and Ron Paul, R-Texas; as well as Parry Aftab, executive director of WiredSafety, an Internet safety and help group.

Aftab said the best way to protect families and consumers from “cyber gambling” is to legalize and regulate it, not outlaw it.