Indian gaming has improved the standard of living of tribes across the United States. Possibly the only tribe not wanting to have gambling is the Hopi, a deeply spiritual nation in Arizona with the longest authenticated occupation of a single area by a Native American tribe. In Ohio the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, descended from the mixed Seneca-Shawnee band previously from Ohio, is pushing legislators to start negotiations for Indian casinos, a type of gambling constitutionally prohibited in the state at present.

If the state will not negotiate a compact then the Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma is considering making a land claim. This claim would be based on the reservations in Ohio where Shawnnees were previously dispossessed and forced out of the state, and past treaties. The tribe from Oklahoma has around 2,300 members and already owns Bordertown Bingo and Gaming in Seneca, Missouri.

Should voters in Ohio cause the State Constitution to be amended to allow video gambling machines at racetracks then the state would fall under federal law regulating Indian gaming, as it would move from Class II gambling to Class III. Class III includes card games played against the house, jai alai and casino games. Under Ohio law the governor and the legislature must approve tribal compacts, something so far rejected by voters. (E-01.25.05)

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