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.


Because Native American tribes are considered sovereign nations, they operate under entirely different legal frameworks than commercial state casinos.

How Tribal Casinos Became Legal

The primary goal of the IGRA was to promote tribal economic development, self-sufficiency, and strong local governments.


Class III gaming includes full-scale casino gambling (slot machines, blackjack, roulette) and requires the tribe to negotiate a complex 'compact' with the state government.

These state compacts dictate exactly how much revenue the tribe must share with the local state government in exchange for holding a monopolyBecause they operate on sovereign land, tribal casinos are generally exempt from many standard state taxes and corporate regulationsThis sovereign status is why a massive, full-scale casino can exist legally in a state where commercial gambling is otherwise strictly prohibited
Class II vs. Class III Machines: The Hidden Difference

This is because Class II slot machines are not actually slot machines at all; they are high-speed, electronic bingo games in disguise.


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

Gaming ClassGame Types IncludedRegulatory RequirementClass IIBingo, Pull-Tabs, 'Bingo' SlotsTribe-regulated with Federal oversight (No State Compact needed)Class IIIVegas Slots, Blackjack, Craps, RouletteRequires a heavily negotiated State Compact

The next time you play at a tribal resort, take a moment to appreciate the complex legal history that built the building.