Indian tribes lobby for Obama’s support in international, online gambling.

Cheyenne & Arapaho Oklahoma tribes want the freedom to offer online gambling to customers outside America without federal interference.

As an extension of an existing social gaming site, PokerTribes.com, the tribes wants to generate profit for their local communities and the state of Oklahoma: A pact with the Oklahoma government was signed in April to secure a deal that 20% of gaming revenue would go to the state. As Cheyenne & Arapaho representative said, there is “no reason for the federal government to intervene in what should be a matter between the tribe and the state. We hope that the Obama administration allows this process to proceed, which will show that all tribes can get a fair chance in Washington.”

There is not, as yet, a standard for US online gambling with international customers. David Rebuck, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement director indicated that there is no law which permits one to “enter into treaties” with foreign governments and, even though Indian tribes see themselves as being autonomous entities, their lobbying suggests that they are not convinced they will be left to their own devices in this matter.

Given the shift that is happening with US online gambling being reconsidered and already established in several states, the Cheyenne and Arapaho lobby seems to be contextually well placed. The US government is going through some changes regarding online gambling in general with both national and international matters up for consideration.