Indian gaming has become the industry that tribal governments can use to overturn 150 years of failed federal programs. Less than one-third of the federally recognized tribes in the U.S. have gaming operations. Thus, the entire proceeds of the industry go back to fund tribal government programs, just as states revenue funds state programs.
States use lottery proceeds much the same way tribes use gaming proceeds.
Extremely high incidences of unemployment, combined with inadequate housing, health care, education and other infrastructure have resulted in standards of living and qualities of life at levels comparable to or even below many developing countries. According to 1990 Census data, Minnesota's Indian people are worse off than minorities living almost anywhere in the nation. Over the past several years, casino gaming has begun generating desperately needed revenue for tribal governments, resulting in gradual improvement in the quality of life on most Indian reservations. However, the ravages caused by centuries of deprivation, poverty and neglect cannot be corrected overnight. Economic Benefits of Indian Gaming in the State of Minnesota, January 1997, prepared by The Hospitality Group of Marquette Advisors.