Plain Talk

579: 'Nobody wanted to listen to Scott Davis the Indian guy'

Feb 21, 2025

In this discussion, Scott Davis, former Commissioner of Indian Affairs for North Dakota, shares his frustrations over misconceptions about tribal gaming. As a consultant for North Dakota's tribal communities, he emphasizes the legal and regulated nature of tribal gaming compared to the unregulated explosion of charitable gaming, which he warns has significantly impacted tribal revenues. Scott Meyer, a Republican Senator, engages on the political front as they explore legislative challenges surrounding casino projects and the ongoing battle for tribal sovereignty.

01:08:50

Creator website

Episode guests

Scott Davis

Scott Meyer

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Scott Davis expressed frustration over dismissive remarks from lawmakers regarding the Turtle Mountain Tribe's casino proposal, highlighting issues of tribal sovereignty.

Charitable gaming in North Dakota, described as unregulated and akin to the 'wild west', presents competition that significantly impacts tribal gaming revenues.

The procedural challenges in North Dakota's legislative process can overshadow critical issues, emphasizing the need for clear communication and prioritization of bills.

Deep dives

Economic Impact of the Oil and Gas Industry

The North Dakota oil and natural gas industry plays a crucial role in the state's economy, contributing significantly to job creation and tax revenue. Beyond extracting natural resources, it supports infrastructure development by funding roads and schools, generating nearly 50,000 jobs statewide. This sector not only enhances local economies but also plays a pivotal role in sustaining the overall economic health of North Dakota. The substantial tax dollars generated by this industry help fund essential services and initiatives for communities across the state.

Intro

2min

Tribal Sovereignty and Gambling Policy in North Dakota

7min

Navigating Tribal Gaming Complexities

20min

Navigating Gambling Regulations and Addiction Support

2min

Navigating Policy and Political Dialogue

2min

Navigating Tribal Gaming Regulations

8min

Redefining Bathroom Legislation

5min

Meals and Legislative Challenges

5min

Controversial Legislation and the Defense of Educators

15min

10.

Reflecting on a Fun Event and Goonies Sequel Buzz

3min

"I got angry," Scott Davis said on this episode of Plain Talk. "I had to walk away."

Davis served as the Commissioner of Indian Affairs under three North Dakota governors (John Hoeven, Jack Dalrymple, and Doug Burgum), and now works as a consultant for North Dakota's tribal communities (he has familial roots in both the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe and the Turtle Mountain Chippewa). What made him angry, and want to walk away, were comments by Sen. Diane Larsen, a Bismarck Republican, suggesting that "cartels" were behind a proposal by the Turtle Mountain tribe to open a casino near Grand Forks.

Davis is also a Republican, I should point out, having served under Republican governors, and as a leader in his local NDGOP district.

On Plain Talk, Davis pointed out that tribal gaming is legal and thoroughly regulated by tribal government, state government, and the federal government. He contrasted that with charitable gaming which, thanks to the popularity of electronic pull tab machines, has exploded to become a multi-billion dollar enterprise in North Dakota. He described charitable gaming as "wild west, unregulated activity."

Davis said he warned lawmakers about electronic pull tabs when their legalization was being debated in Bismarck. "Nobody wanted to listen to Scott Davis the Indian guy."

Asked if charitable gaming had put a dent in tribal proceeds from gambling, he said "big time."

He expressed frustration that lawmakers like Larsen are so often dismissive of the tribe's interests. "Treat us fair," he said. "That's all we ask for."

Davis appeared alongside Sen. Scott Meyer, a Republican from Grand Forks, who sponsored enabling legislation (Senate Bill 2376) that would allow Turtle Mountain's project to proceed. That bill failed in the Senate recently, but Meyer expressed confidence that it could return later in the session.

Also on this episode, co-host Chad Oban and I reacted to some feedback from listeners, and discussed recent debates over Sen. Keith Boehm's book ban bill, which passed in the state Senate this week, and school lunch funding legislation, which got a "do not pass" recommendation from the House appropriations committee after what seemed like a perfunctory debate.

This episode is brought to you by the North Dakota Petroleum Foundation, providing education and outreach opportunities related to the petroleum industry, advancing quality of life initiatives, and promoting and enhancing the conservation heritage of North Dakota. Learn more at www.NDPetroleumFoundation.org.

If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It’s super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you’re from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below.

Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive