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.


Understanding the history of these venues is crucial for understanding the modern landscape of American gambling.

How Tribal Casinos Became Legal

The federal government passed the IGRA to establish a clear legal framework allowing tribes to operate casinos on their sovereign reservations.


Class II gaming encompasses bingo and electronic games that function mathematically like bingo, requiring very little state oversight.

The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) is the federal agency tasked with regulating and auditing these massive tribal operationsBefore a tribe can build a Class III casino, they must prove historical ties to the specific land where the resort will be constructedThe revenue generated is legally required to be used for tribal government operations, charitable donations, or the general welfare of the tribe
The Mechanics of Class II Bingo Slots

If you visit a tribal casino that only has a Class II license, you will notice the slot machines look slightly different.


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

From the massive Foxwoods Resort in Connecticut to small bingo halls in the Midwest, tribal gaming is incredibly diverse.