Indian Gaming
Tension has often existed between tribal and state governments, particularly in relation to the federal protection of Indian rights within state boundaries. This tension is perhaps most evident in the realm of Indian gaming.
In response to cutbacks in federal funding to tribes, in the early 1980s several tribes opened gaming operations on their reservations. After witnessing the economic success of these early operations additional tribes soon followed suit. Afraid of losing lottery revenues to Indian-owned casinos, several states attempted to force the closure of these casinos but invariably lost in court. Realizing that they could not halt Indian gaming, the states (supported by Nevada's casino industry) pressured Congress to regulate the casinos. The result was the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, passed by Congress in 1988. This act, which represents a balance between the rights of tribes and that of states, recognizes the rights of tribal gaming but allocates regulatory jurisdiction over different classes of gaming among tribal, federal, and state government.
As a result of the growth in Indian gaming, many tribes are experiencing unprecedented economic growth and independence. Monies from gaming are being used to fund other tribal economic ventures and to improve housing, education, and medical care. However, the economic benefits of gaming vary greatly from tribe to tribe, with some tribes (particularly those not located near population centers) benefitting little or none from this activity.
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