New Problem Gambling Advisory Council Could Support Minnesota’s Tribes

Problem gambling will continue to be top of mind for Minnesota, and a new council on the national level could certainly help.

The National Council on Problem Gambling recently announced it formed a Tribal Advisory Council.

The goal? Helping Native American communities across the country by providing responsible gambling resources.

Minnesota’s tribes remain an important part of the equation in the state’s legal gaming landscape. In talks centered around passing Minnesota sports betting, the idea of tribal exclusivity has been tossed around.

At the same time, bills earmarking substantial sports betting tax dollars toward problem gaming services have gained plenty of attention.

What exactly is the Tribal Advisory Council?

In short, this group will help just as the National Council on Problem Gambling would, but it’s focus is exclusively on Native American tribes.

In a statement, Keith Whyte, the National Council on Problem Gambling’s executive director, said that tribal soverignty is at the heart of the group’s formation.

“Our work with tribes is based on a deep respect for Tribal sovereignty and our core values of neutrality, collaboration, respect and credibility. We have a responsibility to listen and learn, as well as the opportunity to share our knowledge as we seek to reduce the social costs of gambling addiction and improve health and wellness in all communities. The relationships and partnerships we have forged over the years are the strong foundation for this exciting new project.”

Why is this problem gambling council needed?

Problem gambling as a whole is an issue throughout the U.S.

But in particular, Native American communities are at risk. Specifically, the problem gambling rate among Native Americans sits at 2.3%, according to a study from Washington University Professor David Patterson Silver Wolf. That 2.3% is more than double the average rate for all adults.

Other studies, like one from the University of Buffalo’s Reasearch Institute on Addictions, show that 18.2% of Native Americans fall under the category of a problem gambler. For reference, 7.5% of whites are considered to be in that same category.

Native American communities are often overlooked when it comes to problem gaming. They don’t always get the same resources other groups do. With the formation of this new Tribal Advisory Council, though, Native Americans will have more help. And that’s certainly a good thing.

How this will affect Minnesota

Native American tribes remain one of the biggest stakeholders in Minnesota’s gambling industry.

A perfect example of this is the battle between MN tribes and the state’s racetracks. A number of potential sports betting bills would have given the tribes complete exclusivity over the market, but racetracks wanted the ability to have their own retail sportsbooks. The tracks seemingly countered by attempting to expand their gaming offerings, which the tribes weren’t exactly thrilled with.

At the same time, responsible gaming blossomed into one of the larger focal points in the Minnesota sports betting debate in 2024.

Potential legislation, such as SF 5330, would have earmarked 75% of sports betting revenue tax toward responsible gaming operations. Of that 75%, 25% would go toward the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling, which happens to be a branch of the National Council on Problem Gambling (the group that created this tribe-centric extension).

Responsible gaming advocates such as Susan Sheridan Tucker of the Minnesota Alliance on Problem Gambling are vocal that the state should not rush its efforts to legalize sports betting and must keep problem gambling at the forefront.

In an interview with PlayMinnesota, Sheridan Tucker said that problem gambling, at its core, is a “public health issue.”

“And we need to treat it as such. And do the best we can to protect those who are most vulnerable.”

Native American communities in Minnesota and nationwide fall under that vulnerable designation based on findings from a number of studies.

And it’s another reason why the Tribal Advisory Council is needed. It’s another ally for Minnesota’s tribes, and it could prove to be a solid resource as the state continues to talk about expanding its gambling landscape.