In a groundbreaking move that could have far-reaching implications for the future of online sports betting in Colorado, the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe has announced that it will be joining a lawsuit challenging the state’s recently launched online sports betting access.
The lawsuit, which was filed by several other tribes in the state, argues that the new online sports betting system is in violation of the tribal gaming compacts that have been in place for decades. According to the tribes, the new system allows for off-reservation betting, which is prohibited under the compacts.
The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe’s decision to join the lawsuit comes as no surprise to many in the industry, as the tribe has long been a vocal opponent of the expansion of online sports betting in Colorado. Tribal leaders have expressed concerns that the new system could have a negative impact on their existing gaming operations, which have been a major source of revenue for the tribe.
In a statement released to the press, Ute Mountain Ute Tribe Chairman Harold Cuthair stated, “We have always been committed to upholding the terms of our gaming compacts, and we believe that the new online sports betting system in Colorado is a clear violation of those terms. We cannot sit idly by while our rights are being trampled upon.”
The lawsuit comes at a time when the online sports betting industry in Colorado is booming, with millions of dollars in revenue being generated each month. The state’s decision to launch online sports betting was seen as a major victory for proponents of legalization, but it appears that the move may have unintended consequences for the state’s tribal communities.
Legal experts are divided on the potential outcome of the lawsuit, with some predicting that the tribes may have a strong case while others believe that the state’s compact with the tribes may not be as clear-cut as they claim. Regardless of the outcome, the lawsuit is sure to have a significant impact on the future of online sports betting in Colorado and could set a precedent for other states with tribal gaming compacts.
As the case unfolds in the coming months, all eyes will be on the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe and their fellow plaintiffs as they seek to protect their interests in the rapidly expanding online sports betting market. The outcome of the lawsuit could have major implications for the future of tribal gaming in Colorado and beyond.