Native Gambling

In 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court established that, as independent political bodies, federally recognized Native American tribes are entitled to operate casinos and racetracks without being regulated by state. The congress produced the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, offering provisions for how Native American tribes are allowed to run their gaming facilities. Generally speaking, if casino gaming is legalized in a state, tribes are authorized to open their own casinos, as well.

Once tribal gaming became legalized, Native American communities were hopeful that the extra income would boost their economy. Tribal governments improved their ability to offer tribes’ members different essential public services and even financially support the recovery of native tradition.

However, during the years, tribal gaming legalization has become a rather controversial matter, attracting public attention. People say that entrepreneurs plunge into joint business ventures with tribal entities, offering them lousy deals, profits- wise. Others bring examples of deceitful groups of people claiming to have Native American heritage with the sole purpose of gaining federal recognition so as to be able to operate a tax free casino. The operation of gambling facilities on tribal land has led to the growth of addictive gambling phenomena on many Indian reservations. Also, some Native Americans dislike the association between Natives and the suspicious gaming business, as casinos are perceived by many.

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