When Will Texas's Gambling Treaty Expire? Complete Timeline & Details

When Will Texas's Gambling Treaty Expire? Complete Timeline & Details

By Michael Harrison

January 21, 2025 at 07:34 AM

The gambling treaty in Texas between the state and Native American tribes, specifically the Kickapoo Traditional Tribe, doesn't have a set expiration date. The agreement, established in 1987, remains in effect as long as both parties maintain their obligations and neither chooses to terminate it.

Unlike some other tribal-state gambling compacts that have specific end dates, Texas's agreement is unique. The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe operates the Lucky Eagle Casino in Eagle Pass under this agreement, which is currently the only legal casino gaming facility in Texas.

It's important to note that this isn't technically a "gambling treaty" but rather a federal trust agreement that allows the tribe to conduct specific gaming activities on their reservation. The agreement follows the guidelines set by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988.

The agreement can only be modified or terminated under specific circumstances:

1. Mutual agreement between the State of Texas and the Kickapoo Tribe
2. Violation of agreement terms by either party
3. Changes in federal law that affect tribal gaming rights
4. Federal court decisions that impact the agreement's validity

Currently, there are no plans or pending legislation to terminate or significantly modify this agreement. The Kickapoo Traditional Tribe continues to operate their casino within the established framework.

For any changes to occur, they would need to go through both state and federal approval processes. This includes review by the Department of Interior's Bureau of Indian Affairs, which oversees tribal gaming agreements nationwide.

Those interested in the status of gambling agreements in Texas should monitor both state legislature activities and federal Indian gaming regulations for potential future changes.

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