The tribe's interest in casinos is in the hands of a corporation separate from the tribal government.

Under the administration of Donald Widdiss, Ms. Andrews-Maltais's predecessor, the Wampanoag Tribe signed a development agreement with the Seneca Nation, a tribe in New York that has developed two very successful casinos. During her campaign Ms. Andrews-Maltais criticized the way that agreement was negotiated and announced. She said the "hard funding" part of the Seneca agreement has been suspended, but the corporation is still working closely with the Seneca.

Two Lethbridge professors will be among researchers conducting a $685,000 study looking at the impact of gambling in the province. The project, which is funded through the Alberta Gaming and Research Institute, is expected to take 26 months to complete.

Yale Belanger, a professor of Native American studies at the University of Lethbridge, said they’ll be looking at all forms of gambling, including casinos, horseracing, VLTs, bingo, lottery pull tabs and casinos on First Nations reserves.

Federal law makes it a crime punishable by up to ten years in prison to steal, cheat, or embezzle from an Indian gaming operation, and that law is enforced by the FBI.

Tribal members receiving per capita payments PAY FEDERAL INCOME TAX on these payments.

Tribal Government services, Economic and Community development, general tribal welfare, charitable donations and any requirements for aid to Local governments must be provided for before a Tribe can file for a "Revenue Allocation Plan." The Secretary of Interior must approve any per capita payments as part of a Revenue Allocation Plan.

Three-fourths of gaming Tribes devote all of their revenue to Tribal governmental services, economic and community development, to neighboring communities and to charitable purposes and do not give out per capita payments to individual tribal members.

Revenues from Tribal Governmental gaming must be used in five specific areas. Gambling net revenues from any tribal gaming are not to be used for purposes other than to fund Tribal Government operations or programs; to provide for the general welfare of the Indian tribe and its members; to promote Tribal economic development; to donate to charitable organizations; or to help fund operations of local government agencies.

Tribal casinos generate 400,000 jobs annually. 75% of those positions are filled by non-indians.

Many Tribes operate gaming facilities primarily to generate employment, and do not make huge profits.