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Business & Tech

Will Bingo, Poker and Pull Tabs Ruin Martha's Vineyard?

Exactly what kind of casino could the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah operate on Martha's Vineyard, if successful in its claim of federal approval? Here's what the law says.

MV Patch admits to being part of a problem: The stock photos we used to illustrate this week's articles about the Wampanoag Tribe of Aquinnah's casino plans are likely not what the tribe itself has in mind, and may have misled readers already alarmed by the prospect of gambling on the Island.

But fears of a Mohegan Sun-style entertainment megacomplex near the Gay Head cliffs are likely overblown: The gaming license the Wampanoags are pursuing is a Class II, which doesn't permit roulette wheels, slot machines or table games "against the house" as seen in those colorful stock photos.

In fact, the much-feared casino the tribe wants to open at its 6,200-square-foot, long-uncompleted community center site is likely to look more like a bingo parlor and card room.

According to the National Indian Gaming Act, "The term "class II gaming" means - 
(i) the game of chance commonly known as bingo (whether or not electronic, computer, or other technologic aids are used in connection therewith) - 
(I) which is played for prizes, including monetary prizes, with cards bearing numbers or other designations, 
(II) in which the holder of the card covers such numbers or designations when objects, similarly numbered or designated, are drawn or electronically determined, and 
(III) in which the game is won by the first person covering a previously designated arrangement of numbers or designations on such cards, including (if played in the same location) pull-tabs, lotto, punch boards, tip jars, instant bingo, and other games similar to bingo, and
(ii) card games that - 
(I) are explicitly authorized by the laws of the State, or 
(II) are not explicitly prohibited by the laws of the State and are played at any location in the State, but only if such card games are played in conformity with those laws and regulations (if any) of the State regarding hours or periods of operation of such card games or limitations on wagers or pot sizes in such card games. 

(B) The term "class II gaming" does not include 
(i) any banking card games, including baccarat, chemin de fer, or blackjack (21), or 
(ii) electronic or electromechanical facsimiles of any game of chance or slot machines of any kind."

(Source: nigc.gov)

With that in mind, what are your thoughts about the tribe's plan? Tell us in the comments.

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