Congress to reverse the Tribe’s victory in Cabazon. Over the objections of many Tribal Governments, Congress enacted IGRA on October 17, 1988, as a compromise that sought to balance tribal, federal, and state government interests. Most Tribes believe IGRA was meant to limit tribal economic opportunities through gaming. While IGRA does require Tribes to negotiate agreements or “compacts” with state governments to conduct Class III gaming, the Act does require respect for Tribal sovereignty and the status of Indian tribes as separate governments. IGRA’s primary purpose is “promoting tribal economic development, tribal self-sufficiency, and strong tribal governments.” The Act is far from perfect, but in spite of our differences, Tribal governments have made it work. Indian gaming today remains the most successful economic development tool employed by Tribal governments, providing them a consistent and stable source of revenue that Tribes have used to rebuild their communities. In 2024, Indian gaming again proved its viability as a proven job creator, delivering almost 700,000 American jobs. Jobs generated by Indian gaming provide many Native Americans with their first opportunity to work at home on the reservation, or spur other Native Americans to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams. Over the years, Native citizens have returned to their reservations, drawn by increased employment opportunities and the many improvements that have resulted from resources provided by Indian gaming. Our industry has begun to revitalize reservations nationwide. Tribal governments have used gaming revenues to improve housing, health care, education, infrastructure, and so much more. Because of Indian gaming, Indian lands are again becoming livable homelands, as promised in hundreds of treaties. Indian gaming operations and the types of games offered, have also undergone continuous change since 1988. Far from its attempt at restricting Indian gaming, Tribal leaders and Indian
5 – INDIAN GAMING - ANNUAL REPORT 2025
Made with FlippingBook - Online catalogs