Gaming

Tribal gaming enterprises provide tribes with the financial base necessary to achieve tribal self-governance and, in many instances, to revitalize Native communities. NCAI continues to support tribes’ right to operate gaming facilities that supplement their tribal economies. According to the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), Indian gaming generated $26.5 billion in 2010.

Tribal governments use gaming revenues to fund social service programs, including scholarships, health-care clinics, substance abuse programs, education, law enforcement, and tribal courts. Revenues are also used for infrastructure development such as building new roads, new sewer and water systems, housing, and other developments. Gaming also provides jobs for tribal citizens and non-Native members of surrounding communities.

Protecting this valuable asset toward community empowerment is extremely important for developing prosperity and reducing dependence on federal resources. Currently, tribal gaming enterprises are positioning themselves to withstand the potential legalization of Internet gaming, which stands to impact the profits of their brick-and-mortar facilities. In conjunction with NIGC, NCAI has passed Resolution #ALB-10-084, outlining its membership’s minimum requests of any congressional legislation to legalize Internet gaming.