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Pascua Yaqui Tribe to select member to run gaming operation (12/21)

The Pascua Yaqui Tribe of Arizona will be selecting one of its own to run its gaming operation. Wendell Long is stepping down as CEO of Pascua Yaqui Gaming Enterprises after seven years. Part of...

Group opposing off-reservation casinos won't name backers (12/14)

A new group that is running ads against off-reservation casinos won't name its backers. Enough Already WI! launched its campaign last month. The group says 24 casinos is enough for Wisconsin but won't say who...

Woman arrested at Chickasaw Nation casino on meth charge (12/14)

An Oklahoma woman was arrested at a Chickasaw Nation casino after tribal officers found her with methamphetamine. Stacy D. Gescat, 25, reportedly admitted she was panhandling at the Riverwind Casino. Officers searched her purse and...

MinnPost: The new buffalo -- Series on tribal gaming industry (12/14)

"Ojibwe and Dakota people across Minnesota added a measure of casino success that rises above issues of poverty, jobs, education and tribal self-sufficiency: Have casinos enabled tribes to restore their endangered languages and steep a...

MinnPost: The new buffalo -- series on tribal gaming industry (12/13)

"This piece was a struggle. Our first worry was for you, the reader. You could expect to be engaged in our earlier questions of whether casino profits have helped ease poverty on Minnesota’s Indian reservations,...

MinnPost: The new buffalo -- series on Indian gaming industry (12/12)

"A few years ago, one of my 5th grade students, who is Ojibwe, told me that he would get “a lot of money” when he grew up. The money, he said, would come from the...

MinnPost: The new buffalo -- series on tribal gaming industry (12/11)

"It is easy to understand why so many workers at the Mystic Lake Casino and Hotel complex are non-Indian. If you were a multi-millionaire – as many of the casino’s owners reportedly are – would...

MinnPost: The new buffalo -- series on tribal gaming industry (12/10)

"Forget Cinderella! Minnesota has a different rags-to-riches story, a legend that took hold 20 years ago when Indians opened the state’s first gambling casinos. A MinnPost editor heard a variation on the story recently from...

Quapaw Tribe's casino makes big donation to local food banks (12/07)

The Quapaw Tribe donated $40,000 worth of canned goods to five food banks in Oklahoma, Missouri and Kansas. The donation was facilitated by the Downstream Casino Resort. Recipients included the Inter-Tribal Council Food Distribution Center....

Judge bars woman from Seminole Tribe's casino after incident (12/04)

A judge in Florida barred a woman from a casino owned by the Seminole Tribe after she engaged in a scuffle with security guards and local police officers. Erin Lyman, 23, allegedly pushed a security...

New group looks to block off-reservation casinos in Wisconsin (11/30)

A new group called Enough Already WI! launched a campaign against off-reservation casinos. Eleven tribes currently operate 24 gaming facilities. The group's rallying call is based on that number. “Wisconsin has an abundance of gaming...

Eastern Cherokee casino is largest employer in region of state (11/20)

Thanks to its casino, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is the largest employer in western North Carolina, WSAV-TV reports. Harrah's Cherokee Casino employs 2,300 people. Some 700 jobs were added when the tribe signed...

Muscogee Nation places casino on lockdown after shots fired (11/19)

Tribal, federal and state authorities are investigating a shooting incident at the Muscogee Nation casino in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The tribe placed the River Spirit Casino on lockdown for about two hours on Sunday night after...

White Earth Band launches sustainability program at casino (11/15)

The White Earth Nation in Minnesota is looking to make its casino more "green" by implementing a sustainability program. The tribe wants the Shooting Star Casino to reduce its carbon footprint. The new program sets...

Siletz Tribes distribute $114K in casino funds with local groups (11/13)

The Confederate Tribes of Siletz Indians shared about $114,000 in gaming funds with charities in Oregon. This quarter, the Siletz Tribal Charitable Contribution Fund awarded grants to 39 groups. The checks were presented at the...

'Hard Rock' no more-Isleta Pueblo going back to roots at casino (11/08)

Isleta Pueblo in New Mexico will no longer be tied to the Hard Rock entertainment brand. The tribe has been paying $1 million a year to use the "Hard Rock" name at its gaming facility...

Coeur d'Alene Tribe sends $1.3M in gaming revenues to schools (11/01)

The Coeur d'Alene Tribe contributed $1.3 million in gaming revenues to schools and educational institutions in Idaho. The tribe sets aside 5 percent of net revenue from the Coeur d’Alene Casino for education. This year,...

Interview: New general manager of Grand Ronde Tribes casino (11/01)

"An interview with Spirit Mountain Casino’s General Manager Randy Dugger reveals some truths about the casino’s recent history, current conditions and prospects for the future. Not long ago, press publications may have led readers and...

Kiowa Tribe certified as member of responsible gambling group (11/01)

The Kiowa Tribe has joined the Oklahoma Association on Problem and Compulsive Gambling. The tribe was recently certified as a "Responsible Gaming Member." Casino employees have participated in training programs offered by the group. The...

Travel: Tribal casinos in Oklahoma a draw for Texas gamblers (10/29)

"The plethora of Oklahoma casinos run from simple gaming operations in rural counties to luxury resort-type operations featuring top-draw concerts, golfing and horseracing. There are more than 90 casino-related destinations across Oklahoma, including a handful...

Indian gaming supports $10.8B economic impact in Oklahoma (10/17)

Tribes in Oklahoma contribute $10.8 billion a year to the state's economy, with Indian gaming accounting for $7.6 billion of the impact, according to a new study. Tribes operate over 100 gaming facilities, the most...

Backers of non-Indian casino in Oregon ending their campaign (10/17)

The backers of a non-Indian casino in Oregon are ending their campaign after acknowledging the project would fail at the polls in November. “Despite the enthusiasm that has greeted us as we literally made our...

NWPR: Former Oregon governors slam non-Indian casino plan (10/10)

"Three of Oregon's former governors announced their opposition Monday to two Oregon casino ballot measures. Measure 82 amends the constitution to allow non-tribal casinos, and requires those casinos to give a percentage of their revenue...

CEM: Bernadine Burnette wins Indian Gaming Advocate award (10/10)

"If Bernadine Burnette could describe herself with one phrase, it would be, “I shoot straight from the hip!” As the vice president of Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, Burnette must makes important decisions that affect her...

Oregon tribes enlist former governors in anti-casino campaign (10/09)

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe ramped up their campaign against a non-Indian casino on the November ballot. Through the It's Still A Bad Idea Committee, the...

Oregon governor backs tribes in bid to reject non-Indian casino (10/05)

Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber (D) says approving a non-Indian casino will break promises made to tribes. Kitzhaber will appear in a campaign ad for It's Still A Bad Idea Committee, asking voters to reject the...

Woman killed in robbery after leaving Eastern Cherokee casino (10/02)

The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is investigating a fatal shooting that occurred near the tribe's casino on Sunday night. Barbara Preidet, 76, was shot and killed in the parking lot of a hotel across...

Grand Ronde Tribes cuts positions amid slump in casino revenue (10/01)

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde eliminated about 30 executive level position at its casino amid the slump in the economy, The Salem Statesman Journal reports. The chief executive officer, operating officer and finance officer...

Grand Ronde Tribes donate $720K to defeat non-Indian casino (09/27)

The Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde have spent $721,075 so far to fight a non-Indian casino that's on the November ballot. The tribe recently donated $247,165 to the It's Still A Bad Idea Committee. The...

Indian gaming not anywhere on Mitt Romney's campaign radar (09/24)

What does Republican presidential candidate Mitt Romney think about Indian gaming? The Cape Cod Times, a paper in his home state of Massachusetts, tried to find out but didn't get any answers. Romney's campaign site...

HuffPo: Eastern Cherokee casino patrons like Mitt Romney (09/14)

"The glossy, towering multiplex of Harrah's Cherokee hotel and casino stands out as an island of optimism in this otherwise bleak reservation town. "It's all good fun!" exclaimed Jeff, a railroad engineer in his late...

NIGA: Putting Indian gaming on the political agenda for 2012 (09/11)

"The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) hit the road in August to take our issues to the policy makers attending the Republican and Democratic Conventions. NIGA had a strong presence at both Conventions as the...

Video: Comedian endures tough shows at Michigan tribal casinos (09/06)

Comedian Dan Telfer explains what happens when he went on a tour of tribal casinos in Michigan. Spoiler: It's pretty bad. Telfer doesn't say which tribe but locals can probably guess -- he refers...

Fond du Lac Band lands world record with big burger at casino (09/04)

The Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians has set a record for the world's biggest burger. The hamburger at the Black Bear Casino Resort weighed 2,014 pounds and was 10 feet...

Non-Indian casino developer optimistic about November vote (09/04)

Developers on are planning an ad blitz in hopes of convincing voters to approve the first non-Indian casino in Oregon. The casino -- called The Grange -- requires approval of three separate questions on the...

Forest County Potawatomi Tribe to generate energy at casino (09/04)

The Forest County Potawatomi Tribe will be generating energy at its casino in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The tribe is building an anaerobic digester at the Potawatomi Bingo Casino. The facility will convert food waste into energy,...

Travel: Coushatta Tribe hits the jackpot with hotel at casino (08/23)

"Any casino trip that begins with an Elvis impersonator gyrating in a black leather jumpsuit and concludes with a giant cake in the shape of a grand hotel can pretty much be considered an entertaining...

Daniel Tucker/Steve Stallings: Economic impact of tribal gaming (08/09)

"Support for community is a core value of California’s native people. Although each tribal nation takes pride in its unique traditions, we all believe that we have a fundamental responsibility to all our neighbors. Tribal...

Shakopee Tribe spreads gaming revenue across Indian Country (08/09)

Thanks to gaming revenues, the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community in Minnesota is the most generous in Indian Country. Since 1996, the tribe has donated $243.5 million to tribes and lent another $478.5 million to tribes....

Eastern Shawnee Tribe announces new name for bigger casino (08/03)

The Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma announced a new name for its expanded casino. The tribe is increasing the size of the Bordertown Casino and adding a 117-room hotel. Along with the changes comes a...

County official refuses to go to hearing at Coquille Tribe casino (08/03)

A commissioner in Coos County, Oregon, refused to attend a public hearing on Wednesday because it was held at the casino owned by the Coquille Tribe. Commissioner Bob Main said it was illegal to hold...

Augustine Band completes new solar energy facility for casino (07/26)

The Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians is using solar energy to supply nearly all of the power to its casino in southern California. The tribe recently completed a two-megawatt solar photovoltaic facility on five acres...

Food Critic: Options abound at Seminole Tribe casino in Tampa (07/25)

"In heels so teetery and dripping with bling so glimmery that we would have felt right at home next to Liberace's Christmas tree, we headed into Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. Our objective...

Gaming accounts for most of Chickasaw Nation economic reach (07/10)

The Chickasaw Nation contributes more than $2.4 billion to the economy in Oklahoma, according to a new study, with gaming largely behind the tribe's success. The Chickasaws own 17 gaming facilities, more than any other...

Sheriff asks Arizona tribes for gaming revenues to buy equipment (07/03)

Arizona is known for controversial sheriff Joe Arpaio but there's another law enforcement official in town who's drawing scrutiny. The Arizona Republic said Pinal County Sheriff Paul Babeu asked the Tohono O'odham Nation and the...

Gaming Report: Miccosukee Tribe's 'unique' casino worth the visit (07/03)

"In the early 70’s South Florida’s Miccosukee Tribe erected a simple, unremarkable building on the eastern most plot of land on their reservation in Florida’s Everglades. The main reservation village is about 10 miles west...

Seminole Tribe asks casino employees to contribute to state PAC (07/02)

The Seminole Tribe of Florida has started a political action committee to protect its gaming rights. The tribe's Class III gaming compact promises five years of regional exclusivity. But with the ink barely dry on...

Report shows slight growth in overall gaming industry in the US (06/28)

The U.S. gaming industry, including tribal casinos, took in $88.14 billion in 2010, according to Casino City's American Gaming Almanac. The figures showed a 0.03 percent increase from the year prior, according to the report....

Tohono O'odham casino opponents dispute economic impacts (06/27)

Foes of the Tohono O’odham Nation off-reservation casino released a study that disputes the economic impacts of the proposed facility. The tribe has said the West Valley Resort will create more than 9,000 jobs. But...

Chukchansi Tribe makes early payment on gaming naming rights (06/22)

The Picayune Rancheria of the Chukchansi Indians of California made an early payment on its casino naming rights deal. The Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino pays $1 million each year to the Fresno Grizzlies. The...

Poarch Creeks question decision by ZZ Top to cancel casino show (06/18)

The Poarch Creek Band of Indians in Alabama is questioning why ZZ Top canceled a show at the Wind Creek Casino and Hotel at the last minute. The band cited safety concerns in canceling just...

Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe spends $300K on pro-casino group (06/04)

The Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts has spent $300,000 on a pro-gaming group. So far, Together for Taunton has spent $130,000 to promote the tribe's plan for a $500 million casino. Voters will go the...

Shakopee Tribe reportedly makes deal over non-Indian gaming (06/04)

The Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community has reached a deal that will put an end to expand non-Indian gaming in Minnesota, The Minneapolis Star Tribune reports. The tribe will contribute $10 million over the next two...

Sault Ste. Marie Tribe makes restaurants at casinos smoke-free (05/29)

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians in Michigan has approved a resolution to go smoke-free at three casino restaurants. The restaurants will go smoke-free on June 15. The casinos themselves will continue to...

Graton Rancheria chairman discusses casino plan on radio show (05/25)

Greg Sarris, the chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria, has stayed away from the media but recently went on KQED radio to discuss his tribe's casino plans. Sarris said construction of the casino...

Winnebago Tribe's casino bounces back after disastrous flood (05/24)

The Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska says business is back to usual at its casino in Iowa. The tribe was forced to close WinnaVegas Casino after massive flooding on the Missouri River a year ago. The...

Kickapoo Tribe in Texas awards $46.5M contract for casino work (05/23)

The Kickapoo Tribe in Texas will spend $46.5 million to expand its casino, according to a press release. The project includes a renovation of the Kickapoo Lucky Eagle Casino and the addition of a 250-room...

Chickasaw Nation gaming enterprise linked to amphitheatre bid (05/22)

The Chickasaw Nation and its gaming enterprise are facing a second public relations mess in Oklahoma City. Global Gaming, the tribe's gaming subsidiary, has been linked to a bid to take over operations at the...

Study connects tribal gaming to improvements in Indian health (05/22)

A new study says Indian gaming has improved the health and well-being of tribal members. The study was based on data from 1988 to 2003. In addition to seeing an income boost, tribal members saw...

Mississippi Choctaws announce new executive at gaming facility (05/21)

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians announced Holly Gagnon as the new president and chief executive officer of Pearl River Resort. Chief Phyliss J. Anderson said Gagnon was hired in order to take Pearl River...

Citizen Potawatomi Nation picks new name for expanding casino (05/21)

The Citizen Potawatomi Nation of Oklahoma has renamed one of its gaming facilities. The FireLake Grand Casino will now be known as the Grand Casino. The facility is currently undergoing an expansion that includes a...

Rival sites offer views on Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe casino (05/15)

Voters in Taunton, Massachusetts, who want to find out more about the casino being proposed by the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe can go online for information. The tribe is running Together for Taunton to promote its...

Chairman of Graton Rancheria publicly discusses casino plan (05/02)

The leader of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California finally broke his silence about his tribe's plans for a casino. Chairman Greg Sarris hasn't discussed the casino since the tribe signed a Class...

Ballot language finalized for Mashpee Wampanoag casino bid (05/01)

Voters in Taunton, Massachusetts, will to the polls on June 9 to determine whether they want to host a casino for the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe. As reported by The Taunton Daily Gazette, the ballot language...

Public siding with Poarch Creeks in dispute over gaming lands (04/30)

Keep your hands off the casinos owned by Poarch Creek Band of Indians, members of the public in Escambia County in Alabama say. County officials are demanding taxes from the tribe under the U.S. Supreme...

Chukchansi Tribe confirms 'swallow bugs' in hotel at casino (04/26)

The Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians has taken steps to remove "swallow bugs" from a hotel at its casino. The swallow bugs, which are related to bed bugs, were found in the Chukchansi tower at...

Southern Ute Tribe to host annual 'Money Booth' at casino (04/25)

The Southern Ute Tribe of Colorado will host the 13th annual Non-Profit Money Booth at the Sky Ute Casino Resort next month. The tribe presents $500 to 15 local non-profits. Each organization then gets a...

Chukchansi Tribe irritates some with anti-casino push (04/20)

More groups are coming forward to say Picayune Rancheria of Chukchansi Indians has pressured them to oppose the off-reservation casino sought by the North Fork Rancheria of Mono Indians. The Bass Lake Chamber of Commerce...

Graton Rancheria leader still avoiding media over casino (04/18)

Greg Sarris, the chairman of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria in California, still isn't talking to the press about his tribe's Class III gaming compact. Sarris has declined to comment on the tribe's casino...

Chickasaw Nation promotes casino at Oklahoma ballpark (04/12)

The Chickasaw Nation will promote its gaming enterprise at a baseball stadium in Oklahoma City as part of a naming rights deal. Terms weren't disclosed but the deal for the "Chickasaw Bricktown Ballpark" will last...

Marge Anderson and Quapaw Tribe honored at NIGA meet (04/10)

The National Indian Gaming Association handed out special honors at its recent convention. Marge Anderson, the chief executive of the Mille Lacs Band of Ojibwe Indians in Minnesota, received the Tim Wapato Sovereign Warrior Award....

Chickasaw Nation defends use of casino's name for ballpark (04/05)

The Chickasaw Nation purchased the naming rights to a baseball stadium in Oklahoma City but not everyone is happy with the "Newcastle Casino Field." The park is named for the tribe's gaming facility in Newcastle,...

Dry Creek Rancheria no longer reporting on casino business (03/29)

The Dry Creek Rancheria Band of Pomo Indians of California is no longer reporting its gaming results to the public. The tribe used to provide quarterly reports about the River Rock Casino. But those stopped...

Blog: NFL owners weigh new rules on casino ads at games (03/28)

"NFL owners still meeting in Florida may consider a relaxation of the league’s anti-gambling rules to permit advertisements for casinos in stadiums. Dan Kaplan of SportsBusiness Journal reported earlier this week that a vote could...

Tribes say poll shows opposition to off-reservation casino (03/19)

Michigan voters are against an off-reservation casino for the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians, according to a poll commissioned by rival tribes. According to the poll, 56 percent oppose off-reservation gaming. Only 26...

Mississippi Choctaws sign $78M casino debt refinancing plan (02/29)

The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has reached a $78 million casino debt refinancing plan. Chief Phyllis Anderson said the deal brings stability to the tribe. Instead of owing 55 creditors, the tribe only owes...

FBI takes over rape investigation at Laguna Pueblo's casino (02/29)

The FBI is investigating a report of a sexual assault at the casino owned by Laguna Pueblo in New Mexico. The assault allegedly occurred after a concert at Route 66 Casino on Friday night. A...

Indian man wanted for murder arrested at casino in Nevada (02/28)

An Indian man who is wanted on murder charges in Wyoming was arrested at a casino in Nevada on Friday. Thomas Joseph Shakespeare, 29, reportedly presented a tribal identification card when he was spotted at...

San Pasqual Band sued Viejas Band over casino campaign (02/22)

The San Pasqual Band of Mission Indians sued the Viejas Band of Kumeyaay Indians last year over a casino ad campaign, UT San Diego reports. The San Pasqual Band offers an all-you-can-eat lobster buffet at...

State lawmaker on defensive after incident at Seneca casino (02/14)

After going to the media about an incident at a Seneca Nation casino, New York Sen. Mark Grisanti (R) is on the defensive over his role in what he said he was a fight between...

Soo Tribe holds meetings to discuss off-reservation casino (02/01)

The Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians is holding meetings for its members to discuss an off-reservation casino in Lansing, Michigan. The first meetings take place today in Sault Ste. Marie. Future meetings will...

Poll finds support for Spokane Tribe off-reservation casino (01/31)

An independent poll shows support for the off-reservation casino sought by the Spokane Tribe of Washington. According to Strategic Research Associates, 40 percent of Spokane County residents "strongly favored" or "mildly favored" the casino. Another...

Mayor accused of making racial slurs in casino controversy (01/30)

The Saginaw Chippewa Tribe and the Nottawaseppi Huron Band of Potawatomi Indians are accusing Lansing, Michigan, Mayor Virg Bernero of making racially insensitive remarks about their opposition to an off-reservation casino. Bernero reportedly said he...

Forest County Potawatomi Tribe to talk casino development (01/17)

The Forest County Potawatomi Tribe of Wisconsin is holding a press conference at its casino this morning. The tribe plans to make a "major business announcement" at the Potawatomi Bingo Casino in Milwaukee. News reports...

Seneca Nation begins ad campaign against expanded gaming (01/04)

The Seneca Nation of New York launched a media campaign to urge the state to honor the Class III gaming compact. The tribe was promised a zone of exclusivity in the compact, which was signed...