Tribes Fret Over Competition from Legalized Poker

Making big bucks from casinos with near-monopolies, Native American tribal official worry that online gambling could cut into their take

"I can never live in my country of birth again without giving up the only job that has consistently fed me since I was a teenager," said Fitzgerald, who's 24.

One thing might change that: Congress could legalize online gaming, allowing at least 150 U.S. poker players who've fled the country to return. While the poker industry is lobbying hard to make that happen, it's the ultimate nightmare for many U.S. Indian tribes, who fear that it could destroy their $28 billion-a-year casino business.