Thirty top law enforcement officials were interviewed for that study, which found that in 14 of the 16 counties where casinos are located in Wisconsin, crime rates are below counties of similar size without casinos. Many tribes in Minnesota and elsewhere make voluntary contributions to local police and sheriff departments as an effort to offset any increased costs to these jurisdictions for law enforcement. It is clear, however, that the creation of new jobs and economic vitality in rural communities has led to a decrease, not an increase in crime in most casino counties. Claims that tribal gaming has been infiltrated by organized crime have been disputed by federal law enforcement authorities. In testimony before Congress on several occasions, representatives of the U.S. Department of Justice have acknowledged that there is no evidence to support these claims.
Tribal governments recognize that with sovereignty comes responsibility.
Most casinos carry liability insurance, and have paid reasonable, legitimate claims when necessary. Sovereign immunity has been invoked by tribes on a handful of occasions when injury claims were thought to be fraudulent or excessive, and claimants refused reasonable settlement offers. For workers compensation claims, most casinos use the State of Minnesota's mediator, and abide by the mediator's determination.