In states as far apart as California and Oklahoma the Indian tribes are opening new, larger gaming facilities. In the late 70s nationwide, tribes were permitted to open bingo halls in order to help fund education, health care and law enforcement. Since then their operations have expanded from Class II games, such as bingo, to compacts with their home states for Class III games as in Las Vegas. Profits are also used to fund new businesses.

The Californian San Manuel Indian Bingo first opened in 1986 and has subsequently expanded twice. In 1994 the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians extended their bingo floor area to 100,00 sq ft and now, due to large numbers of customers, they are increasing the area again. The new mission-style casino will be over 480,000 sq ft, and is due to open to the public on January 28, 2005.

The designers of the new facility have not forgotten the staff. Nearly 2,000 employees will use a new cafeteria and private dining rooms, and these numbers will rise with the new casino. It is estimated that around 3,000 jobs will be created in the community. The new large gaming areas will accommodate the thousands of weekly visitors to the casino. The Yuhaviatam Room will seat 2,500 bingo players and has twelve 60-inch plasma screens, a 100-inch projector and an automated jackpot system. At over 45,000 sq ft the room is big enough to have a non-smoking area.

Two thousand state-of-the-art slot machines range from 5¢ to $25 per game and Californian tribes have already requested an increase in the numbers of slot machines permitted in their properties. Discussions are still taking place with Governor Arnold Schwartzenegger on the issue. San Manuel also offers blackjack, mini baccarat and poker, plus a range of restaurants. Asian, Mexican, Italian and American food is available and almost 200 employees provide the catering service.

The San Manuel casino will continue to be one of the most important casinos in the area. 2.2 million people visit each year and over $1.5 billion has been paid in jackpots, cash prizes and ‘freebies’ since 1986. The new facility will offer players more space, comfort, amenities and entertainment. The tribal chairman, Deron Marquez, commented that they have come a long way since opening as a bingo parlour, and is confident that they will continue to be very involved with the community of Highland. In Oklahoma there are nine tribes who have approved compacts with the state, and more to come. A new law approves the introduction of potentially more lucrative games in return for a share of the profits for state education, and around 10,000 new electronic games should boost revenues substantially. At the moment gaming profits are estimated to be in the region of $500 million.

The Cherokee Nation began their gaming venture three years ago in a metal building in Roland, with paper bingo and 63 employees. They now have 1,123 staff and will employ a further 500 as a result of the new law. The Cherokee Casino Resort outside Tulsa is now able to offer its clients a touch of luxury. In Durant, the Choctaw Nation is constructing a 7,0000-seat entertainment coliseum, casino and larger hotel. The Chickasaw Nation is looking at new destination centres and has already upgraded many of its existing facilities.

The Indian tribes are making the most of their gaming potential and in Oklahoma and California the future looks bright. The rise of the tribes as a political force is evidenced in Arizona, where money from gaming activities makes them a key voting block. The influx of cash enables them to contribute to electoral campaigns. This influence is gradually being felt nationwide and the Indian Nations are becoming a voice to be heard, just as business groups and other minority lobbyists.

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