Tag Archive: Native American casinos

Modern America has an interesting relationship with its native American heritage. Unfortunately, most of it isn't necessarily positive. Over the last few decades, Native Americans have started to reclaim their rights. So when it comes to Native American casinos, there's a huge amount of misinformation circulating around. Much of this is based on internalized racism. As a result, you'll come across myths and lies that make little sense as all these casinos are overseen by gambling commissions.

After a number of high profile court cases, Native Americans were able to make their own laws and rules with regards to their rights over their own lands. This allowed them to set up casinos and other gambling establishments like bingo halls. And they can't be taxed by the federal government. In order to regulate and aid their own gaming industry, there are a number of organizations. Probably the best known is the Tribal Gaming Commissions, which allow oversight to all casinos across all states.

Yes, it's pretty obvious that underground casinos in the United States are all going to be illegal. But that's not the same as being automatically shut down with the owners prosecuted. Many are gas stations, bars, and convenience stores which happen to have a single slot machine hidden in the back. Most of them don't even pay out in cash prizes, with you receiving a rubbish toy or product for your troubles. The police are more interested in actual gambling dens as there are more perps to arrest.