Indian Gaming > Benefits, drawbacks of tribal gaming explored

October 17, 2005

Benefits, drawbacks of tribal gaming explored

Tribal gaming has created jobs and generated revenues but what is the impact on the local community? With a casino proposed in Grand Forks, The Grand Forks Herald tries to find out.

The paper talked to people who live near two tribal casinos -- the Turtle Mountain Band's casino in Devils Lake, North Dakota, and the Red Lake Nation's casino near Thief River Falls, Minnesota. Most business owners and officials think gaming has been generally positive for their communities although few have statistics to back it up.

The local chambers of commerce didn't have statistics either but representatives said the casinos have definitely been positive. They said the casinos bring in more visitors who are helping the local economy. The tribes themselves also point to the jobs they have created and the money that goes into local businesses.

Others say tribal casinos have hurt charitable gaming although the data suggests that hasn't been the case in North Dakota. In Minnesota, some say the casinos haven't had an impact at all.

Get the Story:
TRIBAL GAMING: Casinos -- winners and losers (The Grand Forks Herald 10/16)