Coushattas used political clout to renegotiate an advantageous gaming compact Louisiana

What is it about?

After establishing a successful casino, the Coushatta Tribe of Louisiana used their local economic and political clout to renegotiate an advantageous compact with the state. The compact included an unprecedented appendix that dictated which local government agencies received funds from the casino and established a mechanism to reduce payments if casino revenue decreased significantly. During these negotiations, the tribe hired lobbyist Jack Abramoff. The lobbyist helped the tribe increase their political influence but also took advantage of the tribe by financially through a kickback scheme with consultant Mike Scanlon.

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Why is it important?

The article gives a specific, unprecedented example of how economic clout translates into local political clout. This political clout increases tribal self-determination. This increased self-determination counters the decrease in self-determination resulting from the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act's requirement that tribes negotiate with states for casino gambling.