American Indian Culture : Gambling

Although while some Native American Tribes may benefit financially because of the casinos, most have the worst standard of living in the United States.

As stated above, many federal and state programs and policies have been issued to help provide Native American Indians with resources to operate small businesses, however, some of the programs and policies have failed and have been proven ineffective in ensuring long-term tribal economic success. For example, according to Native Entrepreneurship: Challenges and Opportunities for Rural Communities, these policies tend to fail because they focus only on starting businesses rather than sustaining them over time, they pay little attention to the political environment on reservations, and they recognize indigenous culture only as a resource that can be sold, rather than a valid guide that shapes development strategies. Also, the policies and programs fail to provide proper education on how to operate a successful business. As a result of this, Native American Indians are able to start their businesses, but unable to keep them running, therefore, they are stuck with unsuccessful businesses,

"Economic Development and Technology-Skill Needs On American Indian Reservations." American Indian Quarterly 31.1 (2007): 23-43. Academic Search Complete. Web. 7 Oct. 2015.

Towering Hundreds of feet in the air you might have noticed a casino near your town or city. These large complexes are basically a money making machine. Usually Owned by the Native American Culture. These are the main source of income on the reservation for these tribes (Native American Casinos). Although used by Native Tribes in America the First Casino originated in Italy in 1638. The Casinos are a place where many average Americans spin the wheel of luck trying to win a profit on their money. Now the chances of winning big vary as there are many different tiers of gambling. You can have very little money and play on the slots or you can be a high-roller and spend hundreds or thousands on games of black-jack or poker.

This is considering that some tribes have been highly successful with building gambling casinos on their reservation land, and their economic conditions have

Gaming revenues for Native Americans have greatly increased since the passage of the Gaming Regulatory Act in 1988 (Anderson, 2013). The rise has been especially steady over the last 10 years, even with the bad economy, as the revenue went from $22.6 billion in 2005 to $28.5 in 2014 (NIGC, 2015). Many in society think Native Americans are getting rich and are in much better shape because of these casinos. Some studies even how tribes are in much better shape. The Great Smoky Mountains Study showed a $6,000 increase

This law allowed limited, low-stakes casino gambling on Iowa's rivers and lakes beginning April 1 st 1991. Iowa became the fourth state to adopt non Indian, commercial casino gambling .While the legislation was promoted as economic development, the regulatory nature of the legislation was designed to maintain the wholesome image of Iowa and There was a $5 min bet and a $200 loss limit per visit.( "History and Deregulation of Riverboat Gambling in Iowa and Illinois," Journal of Gambling Studies) Only 30 percent of the boat's square footage could be devoted to the casino, sailing was mandated rather than dockside gambling, and sections of the boat had to be devoted to persons under 21 years of age and to Iowa arts and crafts. Riverboats were chosen over land-based casinos because it was thought they would provide the greatest economic stimulus for surrounding businesses.( Nichols, Mark W. "History and Deregulation of Riverboat Gambling in Iowa and Illinois," Journal of Gambling

Economic development is vital to address the unemployment rate on the Navajo Reservation. Gaming has become one the Navajo Nations successful enterprises and largest employers. It has created 1200 jobs, 83% are held by the Navajos. Gaming has invested in the cattle ranchers, Navajo owned subcontractors and contributed 7.4 million dollars to the reservation land. The National Congress of American Indians started the Native Financial Education Coalition expand and enhance financial capability in Native communities. Partner organizations include tribes, tribal organizations, national, regional, local Native and non-Native organizations, financial institutions, federal agencies, Congressional offices, and others interested in Native financial education.

3). Of course, these high growth industries pertain to casinos as depicted through the picture, which precedes the text. of a large Bingo Casino owned by the Coeur D’Alene Tribe. This only serves to further the growing belief in America's society that Native Americans have struck it rich with the establishment of Casinos, but unemployment among adult Indians is about 15 percent – roughly three times the national average – and Native Americans remain America’s poorest people. Of the more than 560 Native American nations, only 224 are involved in gaming (NARF, n.d., para. 3).

Indian casinos helped get tribes out of poverty and neglect. “ tribal members had to look too country government to access welfare programs, which were often far the remote Indian reservations.” (Kallen 18) When the benefit programs changed, the government continued to fund tribal welfare. “The Indian Nations sought out new revenue sources to help their people. They found it thru gaming.” (Kallen 12). The Indian nation went through many issues such as poverty and unemployment. On reservations, there are not that many opportunities. They did not have a voice when it came to choosing their reservation they were forced to be there. The land is not very useful for agriculture or mining, but gaming was their way of getting ahead in life.

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act was passed in 1988 by Ronald Regan (Davis 4.3.). This act was shaping for compromise between US federal government and Indian tribes. Also, Indian tribes hope to be able to protect their own sovereignty, and the US government was tended to regard gaming under their control. According to the “Casino Roots” by Jessica R. Cattelino mentioned, “it is a powerful image, yet one that renders gaming resources external to indigenous economic and political action. Similarly, studies of casinos "impact" on indigenous communities implicitly render gaming as a capitalist project that acts upon indigenous peoples (1).” The government passed this policy purposed to promote the development of tribal economies and avoid the

A reemerging issue, that has once again surfaced in the town of Shabbona, Illinois, is the debate of whether the Potawatomi Nation tribe should build a casino in Shabbona. According to an article by Rhonda Gillespie, titled, DeKalb County, Potawatomi Nation tribe moving forward with casino plans, this issue has taken about a seven or eight year break and is now again becoming a hot topic (Gillespie). Shabbona has recently gone through an issue that was a hot debate. That issue was bringing in wind turbines onto farm ground. That issue was not miniscule and neither is this one. Even over the seven or eight year break there has been steady talk about whether the casino would be appropriate or the best thing for the small town of Shabbona. The

The IGRA, or Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, gave Indians the right to regulate gaming activities on tribal lands, given that it is not prohibited by federal law or by the state in with it is conducted (Neath). According of Professor Robert Miller, the gaming industry can be compared to the gold rush (Tribal Economic Development on Steroids). From being one of the nation’s poorest communities, Indian reservations gross millions of dollars from gaming each year, and this revenue makes up 70 percent of the average tribal budget (Neath, 1995). This income is used for the community development projects such as building schools, constructing roads, and financial scholarships (Neath, 1995). Gaming revenue, which brings out non-Indian capital, allows Indian communities to increase their standards of living and allows their communities to thrive. Many tribal members receive free

The introduction of Native American gaming in the United States comes with mixed reactions. Some welcome this idea to promote growth in the tourism sector. Others wince because of the negative connotations connected to gambling in the Indian community. Myths exist surrounding Native American gaming and false ideas are spread about the topic. Gray areas are also not defined when discussing sovereignty of the gaming power.

Adding to Native American casino fortunes, their casinos are likely to increase over the next few years. It is noted that several states are reaching agreements to allow the introduction or expansion of Native American casinos because of the additional revenues they can provide. This increases the Native American casinos opportunities and consitutes a high barrier for new entrants. The major source for this entry barrier is the cost disadvantage independent of scale regarding the favorable government polices vis -a -vis the Indian Gaming and Recration Act of 1988.