When people think of gambling in a casino, the Las Vegas Strip is likely the first place that comes to mind. However, casinos are now located throughout the United States and in various parts of the globe.
Many may not be aware of the significant influence that Native American tribal gaming has on the industry. Tribal gaming establishments are now present across the United States and Canada, and the revenue generated supports numerous Native American communities (referred to as “First Nations” in Canada) by providing health care, infrastructure, employment opportunities and education. The economic advantages extend to surrounding communities as well, with many non-tribal individuals securing jobs in these casinos.
Tribal gaming remains a significant component of the American casino sector, as evidenced by the industry’s increasing revenue figures in recent years.
In February, the American Gaming Association (AGA) collaborated with the Indian Gaming Association (IGA) to provide insights into the industry through the findings of the AGA’s 2024 Commercial Gaming Revenue Tracker. Revenue from commercial casinos hit $71.92 billion, marking a 7.5% rise from 2023.
The overall casino revenue, combining both commercial and tribal sources, reached $115 billion. Native American casino gaming contributed a substantial portion to this total. IGA executive director Jason Giles also noted that tribal gaming generated over $42 billion in 2024, reflecting a 2.6% increase from $40.9 billion in 2023.
These casinos also provide employment opportunities for numerous tribal members and other Americans, with estimates suggesting that as many as 600,000 individuals across the nation are employed, including both direct and indirect jobs.
The History the Native American Casinos
The origins of Native American Casinos can be traced back to the simple offering of bingo, allowing individuals to spend a dollar for a chance at winning a jackpot. Some establishments even started to provide high-stakes bingo, featuring some astonishing payouts.
As detailed in David Schwartz’s comprehensive history of gambling, Roll the Bones, the Penobscot Indians from Maine and the Seminoles from Florida were the pioneers in introducing this game during the 1970s. This trend was subsequently adopted by more tribes in the 1980s, including those in Oklahoma.
Gaming has emerged as a significant economic force for tribes across the United States. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) was enacted in 1988, paving the way for Native American casinos to grow beyond just bingo.
Today, many of these establishments have transformed into large resorts featuring slot machines, table games such as blackjack and craps, entertainment venues and hotels. In recent years, some tribes have also ventured into online casinos.
Tribal gaming enterprises have evolved into substantial corporations, extending their reach beyond traditional tribal territories in recent years. A notable example is Hard Rock International, which is owned by the Seminole tribe of Florida; they acquired the Mirage Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas from MGM Resorts in January 2023 for $1.1 billion.
The Seminoles are currently redeveloping the property and will operate a casino right on the iconic Las Vegas Strip. This is not the only tribe with a Native American casino in Sin City; the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians bought the Palms Casino Resort in 2021 and reopened it in 2022 following significant renovations.
