Tribal leaders are showing confidence in Doug Burgum, President Donald Trump’s choice for Secretary of the Interior, brushing aside early speculation that he might hinder online gambling agreements between tribes and states.
Burgum, the sitting North Dakota governor, will soon oversee the department tasked with reviewing tribal-state compacts under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). With many tribes anticipating a significant push for online gaming, his role could prove pivotal during one of the largest digital expansions in tribal gambling history.
Tribal Confidence in Doug Burgum’s Track Record
The nomination has raised questions. Will Burgum allow tribes to embrace online sports betting and casinos as part of their compacts, or will he resist and complicate existing pathways for tribes? Some observers worry that a Trump administration might roll back progress made earlier this year with updated compacting rules.
For tribal leaders who have worked closely with him, however, the outlook is bright. Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Chairwoman Janet Alkire offered a reassuring perspective when speaking to PlayUSA. North Dakota tribes, she said, “loved working with Burgum,” adding she believes tribes nationwide will find him collaborative and fair in his new role.
Burgum’s leadership in North Dakota demonstrated his willingness to engage with tribal communities on economic development and gaming agreements. As a Republican governor in a conservative state, he maintained cordial, productive relationships with tribal governments, providing a model that others hope will continue at the federal level.
Online Gaming: A Massive Opportunity for Tribes
Tribal gaming is booming across the United States. Nowhere is this more apparent than Florida, where the Seminole Tribe recently integrated online sports betting into its state compact. Other tribes across the nation see this as the blueprint for their own expansion into digital gambling.
Over the next four years, a surge of compacts featuring online gaming provisions is expected:
- Online sports betting continues to rake in billions of dollars annually across states where it’s legal.
- Online casino games represent an untapped market for many tribes, with potential revenues far exceeding land-based operations.
For tribal communities, these opportunities go far beyond profit. Digital gaming represents sustainable economic growth, funding for education, healthcare, and infrastructure, and a lifeline for rural tribal lands struggling with limited resources.
“We’ve watched states partner with commercial operators and reap rewards,” said one tribal official who asked to remain unnamed. “Tribes want the same fair access to offer online gaming to our communities and beyond.”
Burgum’s Impact on Compacts and Regulations
The role of Secretary of the Interior is pivotal when it comes to tribal gaming. Under IGRA, any state-tribe compact must be approved by the Department of the Interior to ensure it adheres to federal laws and tribal rights. Compacts set the terms for what types of gambling tribes can offer, whether land-based or online.
This year, updated compacting rules clarified language around online gaming, making it easier for tribes to pursue digital gambling platforms. Burgum will take office as these new rules face their first real test.
His history as governor offers clues about how he might handle this responsibility. In North Dakota, Burgum was pragmatic and focused on economic development. He showed a willingness to work with stakeholders — including tribal leaders — to find solutions.
While some Trump appointees have been criticised for anti-tribal stances, Burgum is viewed differently. “Doug is someone who listens,” said one tribal leader from North Dakota. “He doesn’t make decisions without understanding the full impact.”
Tribes Look to Expand Digital Gambling
The Seminole Tribe’s success has set off a wave of interest among tribal governments nationwide. Florida’s model allows the Seminoles to offer online sports betting while partnering with private operators. Tribes in California, Arizona, and other key states are looking at similar opportunities.
If tribes are allowed to incorporate online gaming into their compacts, the benefits could be massive. Reports suggest the US online gambling market could reach over $15 billion annually within the next decade. Tribal operators want to secure their share of that market.
Despite lingering uncertainty, tribal leaders are optimistic. They view Burgum as a potential ally who understands the economic and cultural significance of tribal gaming.
“Compacts are about partnerships,” said Alkire. “We’ve seen the potential for online gaming to change lives in tribal communities, and we’re ready to work with Burgum to keep that going.”
A Crossroads Moment for Tribal Gaming
The next few years could reshape the landscape of tribal gaming. Will tribes have the freedom to grow their online presence, or will federal roadblocks slow progress? For now, leaders are watching closely as Doug Burgum prepares to take the reins at the Department of the Interior.
Tribes are hopeful that Burgum’s reputation for collaboration and fairness will hold true at the federal level. If it does, online gambling could become a cornerstone of economic empowerment for Native American communities across the country.
