Why are so many tribes opening casinos?
In 1988, Congress enacted the Indian Gaming Act. This act sets out the rules for the establishment of Indian gaming. Unlike other casino operations, there is no individual gain from an Indian casino except for distributions to all members of the tribe. Revenues must be directed to governmental services, such as health, education and economic development. Tribes must enter into compacts with state governments. In many cases, gaming is the last resort for many tribes. As non Indian activities degraded natural resources on which tribes depended, the tribes were forced to look for other sources of revenue to assist their citizens. Tribes do not see gaming as an ultimate revenue source, but it is one that has been helpful in an otherwise bleak economic situation. Indian gaming is highly regulated, both by the tribes and by federal law. It should also be remembered that gambling games have been part of the Indian culture for some tribes for centuries.
