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  5. The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and Its Effects on American Indian Economic Development

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and Its Effects on American Indian Economic Development

  • Randall K. Q. Akee
  • Katherine A. Spilde
  • Jonathan B. Taylor
Journal of Economic Perspectives
vol. 29, no. 3, Summer 2015
(pp. 185-208)
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Abstract

The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), passed by the US Congress in 1988, was a watershed in the history of policymaking directed toward reservation-resident American Indians. IGRA set the stage for tribal government-owned gaming facilities. It also shaped how this new industry would develop and how tribal governments would invest gaming revenues. Since then, Indian gaming has approached commercial, state-licensed gaming in total revenues. Gaming operations have had a far-reaching and transformative effect on American Indian reservations and their economies. Specifically, Indian gaming has allowed marked improvements in several important dimensions of reservation life. For the first time, some tribal governments have moved to fiscal independence. Native nations have invested gaming revenues in their economies and societies, often with dramatic effect.

Citation

Akee, Randall K. Q., Katherine A. Spilde, and Jonathan B. Taylor. 2015. "The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and Its Effects on American Indian Economic Development." Journal of Economic Perspectives, 29 (3): 185-208. DOI: 10.1257/jep.29.3.185

Additional Materials

JEL Classification

  • J15 Economics of Minorities, Races, Indigenous Peoples, and Immigrants; Non-labor Discrimination
  • K22 Business and Securities Law
  • L51 Economics of Regulation
  • L83 Sports; Gambling; Restaurants; Recreation; Tourism
  • L88 Industry Studies: Services: Government Policy
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