The facts about Indian gaming

The ka-ching doesn't ring for everyone

Indian casinos are thriving but they haven't made most Indians wealthy, and they can't solve the myriad problems that exist on reservationsIndian casinos nationwide now gross more than $20 billion annually, according to the National Indian Gaming Association. That is the headline. Back on reservations with casinos, there is much more to the story.

-- Ka-ching fact No. 1: Casinos have not made all, or most, American Indians wealthy.

-- Ka-ching fact No. 2: Indian casinos vary enormously in revenue. The universal reason: location, location, location.

-- Ka-ching fact No. 3: Indian tribes vary widely in how they spend casino dollars.

-- Ka-ching fact No. 4: Casinos are controversial in Indian Country, too.