Tribes and Tribal Casinos in California

Tribes and Tribal Casinos in California

What are Tribal Casinos in California?

Tribal casinos in California are casinos that are owned and operated by Native American tribes. There are currently 21 tribal casinos in California, which generate over $8 billion in revenue each year. The largest tribal casino in California is the Pechanga Resort & Casino, which is located in Temecula.

History of Tribal Casinos in California

The history of tribal casinos in California dates back to the 1970s, when the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians opened the first tribal casino in the state. The Cabazon Band was successful in challenging the state’s gaming laws, which allowed them to operate a casino without a state gaming license. This led to the development of a number of other tribal casinos in California.

Benefits of Tribal Casinos for Tribes

Tribal casinos provide a number of benefits for tribes, including:

Economic development: Tribal casinos generate significant revenue for tribes, which can be used to fund tribal programs and services.
Job creation: Tribal casinos create jobs for tribal members and non-tribal members alike.
Cultural preservation: Tribal casinos can help to preserve tribal culture and traditions.

Criticisms of Tribal Casinos

Tribal casinos have also been criticized for a number of reasons, including:

Negative impacts on local communities: Tribal casinos can have a negative impact on local communities, such as by increasing crime and traffic congestion.
Gambling addiction: Tribal casinos can contribute to gambling addiction, which can have a devastating impact on individuals and families.
Tax avoidance: Tribal casinos often do not pay taxes, which can lead to unfair competition with other businesses.

Conclusion

Tribal casinos in California have a complex history and a number of benefits and criticisms. While there are some concerns about tribal casinos, they also provide a number of important benefits for tribes.

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