North Dakota Tribes Negotiating with Governor on State-wide Mobile Gaming
North Dakota’s Governor and gaming tribes are currently negotiating a new compact that would permit them to offer state-wide mobile sports betting and iGaming.
The proposed compact follows the Florida model, which has been challenged in the courts and is causing a considerable delay and uncertainty because the courts have ruled that online gaming authorized pursuant to a compact is not permitted under IGRA.
The state’s charitable gaming organizations are strongly opposing the idea of iGaming/sports betting exclusivity and would likely challenge this legalization effort in the courts, thereby, delaying any potential for online gaming in the state (see article from The Bismarck Tribune here).
iDEA has prepared comments to send to the Governor’s office to outline the potential legal pitfalls they may face based on their current approach and to alert them to this approach likely slowing down any launch of sports betting and iGaming in the state.
Our aim is for them to reconsider their approach to legalization and instead work with the legislature to establish a clearer pathway for tribes (and others) to offer legal online sports betting and iGaming.