The Ute Mountain Ute Tribe has joined forces with the Southern Ute Indian Tribe in a legal dispute with the state of Colorado. Both tribes claim they have been unfairly denied access to the online sports betting market, an economic opportunity they argue was guaranteed under long-standing agreements with the state. They are now seeking legal recourse to ensure their rights are upheld.
Tribal Leaders Call for Justice
Chairman Manuel Heart of the Ute Mountain Ute Tribe expressed deep frustration with the state’s actions, emphasizing, “The state must fulfill its obligations to our Tribes as outlined in agreements and federal law. This injustice leaves us no choice but to pursue legal action.” He highlighted the economic setbacks this exclusion has caused for the tribes.
Southern Ute Indian Tribe Chairman Melvin J. Baker echoed this sentiment, stating, “Enough is enough. This unfair treatment has persisted for too long. We demand that the state correct this situation immediately.”
Blocked from the Online Sports Betting Market
The crux of the issue lies in the tribes’ exclusion from Colorado’s online sports betting market, despite federal and state agreements allowing them to engage in gaming activities. These agreements, which have been in place for decades, explicitly permit the tribes to conduct the same types of gaming that are available to others in the state.
When Colorado voters approved Proposition DD in 2019, online sports betting became legal, opening up new economic opportunities. However, both tribes argue that despite these legal allowances, they have been unjustly blocked from entering the market, while private operators have benefited since 2020.
Taxation Dispute at the Center
A major sticking point in the conflict is the state’s inability to tax tribal gaming revenue, which is exempt under federal law. Tribal gaming profits must be used to support government functions and the welfare of tribal members. This has caused tension, as Colorado has continued to prevent the tribes from fully participating in online sports betting, citing concerns about taxation.
While the state has had opportunities to address this issue, such as introducing a ballot measure in 2024, it has failed to take action. This contrasts with states like Kansas, which quickly amended its laws to allow tribal participation in online sports betting after initially excluding them.
Seeking a Legal Resolution
After years of unsuccessful negotiations, the Ute tribes are now turning to the federal courts. They are asking for an injunction that will allow them to access the online sports betting market, as promised under their agreements with the state. Both tribes remain hopeful that the court will side with them, ensuring that they receive the economic opportunities they are legally entitled to.