Miller warns Clinton of Indian gambling risks

Tuesday, Feb. 24, 1998 | 11:35 a.m.

Always a contentious issue, Indian gaming has grown even more nettlesome with the recent intervention of Interior Secretary Bruce Babbitt. On Jan. 22, Babbitt proposed rules to let him authorize Indian casinos without the consent of governors in states where the two sides can't agree on a gambling compact.

"The first hurdle was to ensure that the (White House) staff, Office of Management and Budget, and the Interior Department understood what we perceive Babbitt's position to be," Miller said. "I think we've gone a long way in accomplishing that."

The second objective is to find common ground, and Miller is working with other governors to form a committee that will work with the Clinton administration to see if an agreement can be reached.

After the governors' meeting with Clinton on Monday at the White House, Miller said, "I believe the president knows our position now as well as Secretary Babbitt's, and understands our concerns."

Babbitt's proposed regulations were particularly alarming to Miller because of the potential impact on Nevada's top industry. The legalization of tribal casinos in California could be anathema for Nevada casinos since most of their customers come from California.