Pete,
Each compact entered into by the respective Tribe is nothing more than a "contract" between the Tribe and the individual State where the tribe is located. Like any contract the State can TRY to get whatever concessions they can from the Tribe and in turn grant the Tribe exclusive casino rights for more slot machines, or table games, etc.Some States have compacts that require State income tax to be withheld from slot jackpots even though no federal tax is required to be withheld. California just negotitated a terrific compact with their respective Tribes that should bring in around 1 billion a year for the State coffers!

Each Tribe is federally governed by the Bureau of Indian Affairs under the Department of Interior. It is the Bureau that has sole authority when it come to federal jurisdiction. The Tribes are subject to the same Federal reporting requirements as to forms such as 1099, W2-G, etc. when they open a casino even though they pay no FEDERAL INCOME TAX. Individual indians do pay tax on distributions from the Tribe - the Tribe pays nothing!

When individuals play at an indian casino they are on INDIAN LAND. As such they are subject to indian law. It is not a good situation to be in if your a young person who happens to get into trouble or perhaps a roulette thief who happens to get caught. Oh, excuse me not roulette thief but an individual who is preserving gaming history. Tell that to the Tribe police as they "cart" you off to the holding tank! It's not a pretty picture. Hope this helps.

Best, Mr."P"