The Native Indian gaming industry forms an important part of America’s gambling sector. Steeped in cultural significance and tradition, Indian gambling organizations continue to thrive.
In the past few years, we have seen changes in how tribes are enhancing their gaming operations and using the assets they already have to tap into new markets. This has a lot to do with the use of new technologies that aim to enhance accessibility and the overall gaming experience, leading to a new era of Indian gaming.
However, the industry as a whole still experiences a number of challenges, and there is still much work to be done.
In this article, we will talk more about tribal gambling and how it is expected to grow in the coming years.
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The History of Native American Gambling
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988 established a legal framework allowing tribes to run gaming businesses on their territories, giving rise to Native American gambling.
Ultimately, the goal of this act is to ensure economic development among tribes, establish strong tribal governments, and ensure that tribes are self-sufficient. Since the enactment of these regulations, the tribal gaming industry has grown considerably.
There are roughly 500 gaming facilities today that are run by over 240 Native American tribes. More than $40 billion is produced from gambling initiatives, contributing to the sustainability of these tribes.
What Are Some of the Challenges That the Industry Faces?
The truth is that while the Native American gambling industry is successful, there are a number of challenges that threaten to affect its growth. Tribes must be able to overcome them in order to enjoy continued development and success.
Online Gambling and Sports Betting
Sports betting and online gambling have become incredibly widespread. Mobile gaming apps are becoming more and more popular, which threatens to affect the Native American gambling industry.
Although many companies are beginning to explore changes and adopt technological advancements to reach broader audiences, the fact that many establishments are in rural areas presents a challenge.
Regulatory Uncertainty
Native American casino operators have to navigate the complex legal landscape. The truth is that tribal laws can change from state to state, and delays or denials can throw a spanner in the works when it comes to growth and development in this sector.
Opportunities for Change
That said, there are a number of opportunities available to these gaming operators. Let’s explore some of the changes that the industry could adopt to mitigate these challenges and enjoy sustainable growth.
Online and Mobile Gaming
Since online gambling and the convenience of mobile accessibility pose a significant challenge to tribal gaming, the integration of these technologies could allow gaming operators to enjoy growth.
This will not only help operators to remain relevant but will also allow them to reach broader audiences. Although there may still be difficulties with regard to regulations, it is certainly an aspect that must be explored.
A Focus on Sustainability
Running sustainable gambling establishments and adopting green initiatives are other ways that casino operators can make their gambling facilities more appealing to the public. The reality is that many patrons are Earth-conscious, and by implementing green practices, these establishments can attract more attention and boost their revenue.
Using Tribal Sovereignty for Growth
The US law grants tribes sovereignty, which means that they are allowed to create their own laws, regulations, and more. To ensure their growth, tribes could expand their casino operations to cater to new industries. They could also use their profits to expand their horizons, which many tribes have already started to do, as you will see in the next section.
Examples of How the Industry Is Moving Forward
As we have mentioned already, there are a number of new technologies and developments that are contributing to the evolution of tribal gaming. In order to enhance their casino operations and mitigate the challenges that the industry faces, tribes need financial resources.
The good news is that many of them are securing funding to achieve this. In this section, we’ll look at a few examples of the exciting initiatives that are expected to contribute to the growth of Native American gaming.
Seminole’s Recent Acquisition
A good example of this would have to be Hard Rock Internation, which was acquired by the Seminole Tribe. This is significant because it provides the tribe with a myriad of assets, including Hard Rock’s hotels, businesses, and restaurants. With this newly acquired wealth, the Seminole Tribe is now in an excellent position to grow its gaming empire into an international brand.
The Mohegan Tribe Aims for a Global Arena
The Mohegan Tribe has also achieved great things that offer promise for Indian gaming as a whole. In 2016, it was selected to develop a resort in South Korea. It was chosen from an international pool of investors, which is indicative of its capabilities and commitment to expanding its global reach and gaming footprint.
Catawba Digital Economic Zone in Rock Hill
An example of how the tribal gaming industry is embracing technology to improve its offerings can be seen in the Catawba Digital Economic Zone in Rock Hill, South Carolina. It was established by the Catawba Indian Nation and offers space for fintech and cryptocurrency companies.
This is a testament to the tribe’s ability to grow. Considering that it has sovereign jurisdiction status, it is able to create its own regulatory framework to encourage the growth of the companies in this zone.
Final Thoughts on the Future of Native American Gambling
The Native American gambling industry faces a number of challenges. However, there is also much potential for growth in this sector. By embracing technology, adopting green initiatives, using tribal sovereignty, and navigating the regulatory landscape, casino operators can enjoy sustainable development.
Although it may take time to see changes, we can anticipate them in the Native American gambling industry in the coming years.
