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- The expansion of tribal casinos since the late 1980s has significantly boosted economic conditions for American Indian communities on tribal lands.
- Tribal casinos remain a significant player in the gaming industry, generating billions of dollars annually.
- Understanding the economic impact on these communities sheds light on a key part of the broader American gaming landscape.
Following the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) in 1988, the US saw a dramatic increase in tribal casinos, growing from almost none to nearly 600 hosting operations by 2019.
Research shows that tribal casinos have increased wages for American Indians and reduced unemployment among nearby populations across races working in the casino industry.
These casinos also support local economies through cash transfers and welfare programs aimed at tribal citizens, thereby strengthening tribal sovereignty and providing a unique revenue stream directly tied to reservation lands.
Casinos have helped reduce poverty, improve employment for women
The tribal gaming industry now generates over $40 billion annually, with revenues mandated under IGRA to support tribal economic development, welfare program funding, and sometimes contributions to state and local governments. Several tribes also operate real-money online casinos.
Casinos have directly contributed to a 46.5% increase in real per-capita income for American Indians on reservations, a decrease in childhood poverty rates, and improved labor participation among women.
Some tribes have implemented unconditional cash transfer programs, functioning as early forms of universal basic income, which have improved living standards and reduced unemployment in these areas.
The ongoing relationship between tribal sovereignty and gaming revenue remains crucial for developing future policies and opportunities in the US gambling industry.
Based on reporting by Travis Shoemaker at the US Census Bureau.
