A Guide To Native American Casinos In The USA

While Nevada is famous globally, the vast majority of physical casino locations in the United States are actually located on tribal lands.


The existence of these massive tribal resorts is the result of decades of complex legal battles and federal legislation.

How Tribal Casinos Became Legal

The federal government passed the IGRA to establish a clear legal framework allowing tribes to operate casinos on their sovereign reservations.


Class II gaming encompasses bingo and electronic games that function mathematically like bingo, requiring very little state oversight.

The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) is the federal agency tasked with regulating and auditing these massive tribal operationsBefore a tribe can build a Class III casino, they must prove historical ties to the specific land where the resort will be constructedThe revenue generated is legally required to be used for tribal government operations, charitable donations, or the general welfare of the tribe
Class II vs. Class III Machines: The Hidden Difference

A common complaint from tourists is that the slot machines in certain tribal casinos feel 'weird' or behave unexpectedly.


In a Class II tribal machine, pressing 'Spin' enters you into a networked game of bingo against everyone else playing in the casino.

Economic ImpactDestinationPurposeGaming RevenueTribal GovernmentFunds roads, schools, healthcare, and infrastructureState Revenue ShareLocal State GovernmentPaid in exchange for market exclusivity (Compact)

From the massive Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut to small bingo halls in the Midwest, tribal gaming is incredibly diverse.