Posts Tagged ‘Indian Gaming’
The True Facts and Importance about Indian Gaming
In the year of 2009, more than 24.5 million Americans visited Indian casinos and noted the progress that Indian tribes do. Nationally, there are 237 tribes in 28 states using games to create new jobs, fund essential government services and rebuild communities. Here are some statistics compiled from various tribes in the U.S. that tells a fascinating story of success:
• $26.2 Billion in gross revenue.
• $3.2 Billion in gross revenue from related hospitality and entertainment services.
• 628,000 jobs nationwide for American Indians and our neighbors.
• $9.4 Billion in Federal taxes and revenue savings.
• $2.4 Billion in state taxes, revenue sharing, and regulatory payments.
Important for the history of Indian casinos and Indian sovereignty. Long before the arrival of Columbus in America, Indian tribes were sovereign and independent. From the earliest days of the Republic, the United States recognized the sovereign authority of Indian tribes. In 1778 the Treaty of India’s first recognized the rights of tribal autonomy and the constitution affirms the sovereignty of Indian tribes in the two articles of the Treaty and India’s trade. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) protects the games as a means to promote tribal economic development, self-sufficiency and strong tribal governments. Across America, schools and hospitals are being built, dirt roads are paved, and water flows, sometimes for the first time.
The benefits of Indian gaming are far reaching and extend in various directions. No one has greater interest in the integrity of the game that the Indian tribal governments. Today, the game is Native American Indian history of success. Tribal governments use their net income to fund services for gambling education for essential government protection, health, police and fire services, water and sewerage, transportation, childcare and elderly. And to build the basic infrastructure of the community, schools, hospitals, water systems and roads. Tribal governments also give generously to charitable causes totaling more than $ 150 million annually.