Tribal Gaming

Tribal Gaming in The United States

Tribal gaming in the United States is a vital part of both the gaming industry and Native American economic development. 

It began to gain momentum in the 1970s when tribes asserted their sovereign rights to operate gaming facilities independent of state regulation. This movement was solidified by the 1988 United States federal law that establishes the jurisdictional framework that governs Indian gaming.

Today, over 500 gaming operations are run by more than 240 federally recognized tribes across 29 states. These establishments range from high-end casino destinations to small bingo halls, collectively generating over $40 billion in annual revenue. 

Tribal gaming revenues are reinvested into community services such as healthcare, education, housing, and cultural preservation. The sector also supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and creates regional partnerships with non-tribal businesses.

Tribal Gaming in Canada

First Nations gaming in Canada has followed a different legal and regulatory path compared to the United States. While gaming is a provincial jurisdiction in Canada, Indigenous communities have found pathways to participate in the industry through partnerships, land agreements, and the establishment of First Nations-owned casinos.

The first Indigenous-owned casino in Canada was the Gold Eagle Casino, opened in 1996 in Saskatchewan. Since then, several others have opened across the country, including Casino Rama Resort in Ontario and Grey Eagle Resort & Casino in Alberta. 

These venues provide economic opportunities and serve as centers for cultural exchange, tourism, and employment. Indigenous-owned gaming operations often contribute a share of profits back to First Nations communities to fund social programs, infrastructure, and language revitalization.

Tribal Casino Month (June 1–30) by Casinos.com Celebrates Indigenous Excellence in Gaming

Throughout the entire month of June, we are celebrating Tribal Casino Month, a time dedicated to honoring the achievements, cultural contributions, and economic impact of Indigenous-owned and operated casinos across Canada and the United States.

This month-long spotlight aligns with National Indigenous History Month in Canada and complements broader efforts to recognize the sovereignty of First Nations, Inuit, Métis, and Native American communities.