Never mind the Indians

IGRA’S Legacy

In the 20 years since the enactment of IGRA, tribes have made greater strides toward the goal of self-sufficiencyThe best of times is seen in the prosperity and hope that gaming has brought to Indian reservations. The worst of times is seen in issues gaming has raised and the challenges gaming has brought to tribal sovereignty.

Early challenges were seen in efforts by some in Congress to tax tribal gaming revenues. The challenges continued as states and their governors, eager to balance budgets and seek previously untapped sources of funding for their states, turned to tribal gaming and revenue sharing as a means of filling their government’s coffers in return for approval of tribal/state gaming compacts.

Never mind that tribal governments and tribal leaders relied on these same funds to provide governmental services to their own citizens. Never mind that, historically, states had turned a blind eye to the poverty and unforgivable health conditions on Indian reservations within their boundaries. Never mind that, as sovereign governments, tribes are not in fact required to subsidize other sovereign governments.Below:  A small-scale casino that's more commonplace than mega-resorts such as Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun.