by Robert G. Torricelli

About the author: Robert G. Torricelli is a U.S. representative from New Jersey.

Editor's note: The following viewpoint is an excerpt of Robert G. Torricelli's testimony before the House of Representatives' Subcommittee on Native American Affairs on October 5, 1993.

What we have seen since 1988—the proliferation of over 175 commercial Native American gaming establishments in 26 states—has enormous consequences to our social fabric and our law enforcement capabilities.

What we have seen is the spread of deregulated casino gaming across the country without the citizens of the United States or their elected representatives ever having made the decision to let that happen. As a representative from one state that does allow high-stakes casinos, I believe that is the wrong way to proceed.

Gambling in New Jersey was a very difficult public policy decision...