Officials from Foxwoods Casino in Connecticut say they have reached a deal to explore operating online gambling and Internet casino games. Despite opinions from the US Justice Department that all Internet gaming is illegal, lawyers for the tribal casino have told the tribe’s council that Indian gaming can legally ignore the UIGEA and run online gambling sites.
Foxwoods agreed to partner with Goodson Gaming in a new company, called Velocity Gaming, which will handle developing online gaming sites. Goodson Gaming is operated by Jonathan Goodson, who has produced television game shows such as “The Price is Right” and “Family Feud.”
Licensed gaming companies are hoping for the passage of Barney Frank’s bill regulating Internet gambling. But while the bill continues its interminably slow progress through Congress, Indian tribes have been informed by attorneys that their complicated sovereign status within the US permits them to own and operate online casinos without federal permission.
Even as a group of tribes seek to unite in producing online gaming sites, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe, owners of Foxwoods, are seeking to retain their gaming edge by being the first tribe to unveil its own brand of Internet gambling. The site will likely feature casino games as well as lottery play.






