National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) has released a statement, after a week of becoming a member of the American Sports Betting coalition clarifying its enrollment in a group which is fighting to bring an end to the nationwide ban on sports betting in the United States.

The American Sports Betting Coalition, established in June by the American Gaming Association trade group is fighting to revoke the 25-year-old Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA). PASPA prohibits sports betting all over the country except the states of Nevada, Delaware, Montana and Oregon. 

Penn National Gaming Incorporated, Boyd Gaming Corporation, and Rush Street Gaming are also a part of the association along with the other attorneys general and police, policymakers and others in hopes of curbing an illegal market which is estimated to be of $150 billion.

The intention of NIGA was explained out by the Chairman, Ernie Stevens to join American Sports Betting Coalition was to “Enhance Indian Country’s seat at the table on this important issue” by dismissing its position on the legalisation of the sports betting issue.

He further blamed media for mischaracterization of NIGA’s participation in the coalition in support of sports betting legalisation. NIGA’s inability to take an official position on sports betting legalisation without tribe member’s input as such issues raise concerns unique to every tribal government engagement in gaming.