Native Americans say they want the ability to compete for money and jobs generated by Internet gambling if Congress legalizes it. But they don't want to lose their sovereignty to get it.
The Senate Indian Affairs Committee held a hearing Thursday about tribes' concerns over Internet gambling, which has been banned in the U.S. since 2006. Many people have been playing at offshore sites anyway.
Committee Chairman Daniel Akaka of Hawaii says Internet gambling is getting more attention as Congress seeks more revenue sources and looks for ways to create more jobs. Some bills have been proposed in the House, but tribes say no legislation protects their interests so far, including protecting any money they make from being taxed.