Unfortunately, when it comes to the subject of Native Americans and gambling, stereotypes are still prevalent in today’s society. In fact, one stereotype of Native Americans and the reservations that they live on is that each reservation is home to a casino or other form of gambling. This is far from the truth, although gambling is a large part of Native American culture, it is not regarded in the same way as other cultures regard gambling.

A Common Misconception

Although many federally recognized Indian tribes support gambling on their reservations, not all Native Americans who live on reservations own or operate a casino or other form of gaming, nor do all Native Americans participate in gaming. In fact, in some Indian tribes gaming is considered taboo. There is evidence, however, that many Americans do support Indian gaming to a full extent.

Some researchers claim that now a majority of Americans support Indian gaming and that public opinion polls show the public supports Indian gaming both nationally and within the states. This includes gaming on reservations. Public support has also been high for gaming in terms of passing laws and propositions that allow and support Indian gaming on the reservations. According to statistics, there are about 562 federally recognized tribes, and 224 of those tribes participate in class two or class three gaming. There is recognized gaming in 28 states and over 354 operations currently being run. Clearly, gaming is a growing force in the United States, along with its increasing popular support.

Although stereotypes still exist, Indian groups and organizations are working to dispel the myths and to promote Indian gaming in a positive light. Although substance and alcohol abuse do exist within Indian gaming communities, for example, these problems exist in other gambling communities as well and, in fact, the Indian gaming community donates much of its proceeds to charitable programs including substance abuse treatment programs. These actions speak louder than the stereotypes some uneducated people may continue to associate with Indians and the gaming industry and will continue to promote Indian gaming in a positive manner.