TIGA Receives Letter of Recognition and Support from Isle of Man Government
The Tribal Internet Gaming Alliance (TIGA), an alliance of Indian Tribes working collectively to bring Internet gaming to Indian Country within the framework of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) and other state and federal laws, has received a letter of recognition and support from the Government of the Isle of Man, a leader in the iGaming industry.
The letter, which was written by Peter Greenhill, can be viewed here. It states in part:
“The Isle of Man (we) are pleased to recognize the treaty organization that is known as the Tribal Internet Gaming Alliance (TIGA). We recognize TIGA’s mission is to facilitate, offer, regulate and promote legal internet gaming on behalf of its member tribes, consistent with the highest standards of security, integrity and accountability and see this as a positive platform from which TIGA members can act together, to facilitate, offer and promote legal internet gaming for the benefit [of] its member tribes.”
The letter also suggests that the Isle of Man and TIGA could enter into inter-jurisdictional iGaming agreements: “We understand that the Tribal Internet Gaming Alliance (TIGA) is an inter-governmental treaty organization of sovereign tribes, capable of exercising certain delegated governmental powers on behalf of each member tribe. As such, we would be pleased to engage with TIGA to facilitate the opportunity for TIGA and the Isle of Man jurisdiction to negotiate, enter and/or establish inter-jurisdictional agreements for mutual benefit.”
As of February 25, 2014, TIGA two member tribes have joined the alliance in the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians and the Bad River Band of Lake Superior Tribe of Chippewa Indians.
The Lac du Flambeau took the first step toward iGaming last year when they launched a fun-play site for their Lake of the Torches Casino Resort. They were officially the first tribe to join TIGA.
“As online gaming legislation progresses throughout the United States, the Lac du Flambeau Tribal Council recognizes the need to stay in the forefront of the potential opportunities,” said the tribe.
If TIGA recruits one more tribe, they’ll be able to establish a gaming commission to license and regulate tribal iGaming. TIGA is open to all federally recognized tribes and Alaskan Native Villages. According to Jeffrey Nelson, legal counsel for TIGA, more than 50 tribes in 18 states have already expressed interest in joining.
"Nobody knows how big it's going to be," Nelson said. "But everyone has stars in their eyes, because it's large."
TIGA previously received a Resolution in Support from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission.
Photo courtesy of SXC.hu
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