Whatever some members of Congress may think about the expansion of tribal gaming, it appears that the US public generally supports Indian casinos and prefers them to the big corporate operations. A report published last week by the National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) was based on a telephone poll of registered voters, and shows a 3% rise in approval rating since a similar survey in 2002.

NIGA claims that there is broad recognition by the public that gaming lifts American Natives out of poverty and rebuilds Indian communities. It recognizes, however, that it needs to emphasize the point that tribal casinos are better regulated than Nevada casinos. 70% of those polled believed that Indian gaming benefits local communities, up 14% from 2002, and 67% support the industry which has created 553,000 jobs across the nation. Indian gaming has revitalized tribal cultures and made provision for future generations – the first form of economic development to make a difference in 200 years.

The national survey was released at last week’s NIGA Mid-year Conference and Expo in Hollywood, Florida. Conference issues included discussion of the perceived misguided proposal from the US Department of Justice for amendments to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act that would limit Class II Indian gaming. The survey also showed that the majority of the public is apprehensive about expanding the federal government’s role in regulating Indian gaming. (E-11.21.05)

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