Primary Document-Casinos

The Native American population has been decreasing since the expansion of the United States; and ever since the Europeans came to America. Because of this, many Native Americans fell short on money and became some of the poorest people in America for a period of time, due to the fact that they didn't use money. Many reservations had also believed in being isolated from the rest of the world; however this in the end only hurt the Native Americans and put them into poverty. In the 1970s, Native Americans realized how to create a better economy for themselves; and that was through the creation of bingo facilities. By establishing these facilities, Native Americans began to get out of their poor state, and began to make money. However, in 1987, the state of California filed a lawsuit against the Indians in California vs. Cabazon Band of Missions. California was suing this tribe because they were building casinos and other gaming facilities on their land without permission. However, the Supreme Court overruled and said that the state was not to interfere with the production of these facilities due to the fact they were created on their own land. 1988 was a big year for many Native Americans who joined forces in the gaming world; they gained $100 million from the bingo casinos, bringing many of their people out of poverty. Many Native Americans like to refer to this new discovery as the 'new buffalo'. In the process of creating these facilities, leaders and other tribes were becoming worrisome that their own people were going to lose sight of their own faith, and turn to the imperfections of greed and wealth. Although, just recently in 2006, a striking number of 1/3 of Native American tribes have become involved in gaming facilities. In 2008, the Navajo tribe created their first casino which involved slot machines, a bingo hall, and table games such as black jack and poker, which is now in New Mexico named the Fire Rock Casino. The creation of these facilities were able to open up jobs for many unemployed Native Americans, as well as many new opportunities on their reservations. Native Americans were now able to open schools, hospitals, and law enforcement. Along with this, they attracted many people as workers, residents, and even investors into their casinos.