For now, Sheen said, the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act benefits only one group -- the tribes.
"It allows them to do pretty much what they want, with no oversight," he said.

Michigan

SPECIAL REPORT | TRIBAL GAMING: Better U.S. control sought

May 8, 2006

What can be done to improve oversight of Michigan's tribal casinos?

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Brighton, has introduced legislation in Washington that would double funding for the National Indian Gaming Commission, the federal agency assigned to monitor some 400 tribal casinos and gambling operations nationwide. They make up a nearly $20-billion-a-year industry.

The NIGC's budget is now capped at $12 million -- which is less than the $16 million the Michigan Gaming Control Board spent last year to oversee Detroit's three casinos, all nontribal.

Rogers also introduced a bill calling for a 2-year moratorium on any new tribal casinos nationwide. He said the lack of state and federal oversight of Michigan's tribal casinos, combined with the amount of money flowing through, "is trouble waiting to happen if it hasn't happened already."

The problem, he said, is that "no one is looking." "I'd like to see, from the federal level at least, better oversight," Rogers said last week.

State Rep. Fulton Sheen, R-Plainwell, said he supports the proposed moratorium and believes Congress should re-examine the 1988 law that gave the national gaming commission authority to oversee tribal casinos and allowed tribes to strike state casino deals.

Sheen said federal and state officials should have more regulatory power and that people who live near where casinos are proposed should have a bigger say over decisions to build them.

For now, Sheen said, the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act benefits only one group -- the tribes.

"It allows them to do pretty much what they want, with no oversight," he said.

In Lansing, the state auditor general is examining the Michigan Gaming Control Board's performance, said Eric Bush, administrative manager. The auditor general's report will go to the Legislature.

Map of Michigan Casino Locations

To reach Mike Rogers, call 202-225-4872 or go to www.mikerogers.house.gov. To find a member of the Michigan Legislature, go to www.house.mi.gov or www.senate.mi.gov. To contact Gov. Jennifer Granholm or Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox, go to www.michigan.gov. Contact JENNIFER DIXON at 313-223-4410 or jbdixon@freepress.com.

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