Tribal Casinos in the US: Which States Host Native American Casinos?
Tribal gaming in the United States emerged in the 1970s when Native American tribes used bingo halls as a way to generate revenue for the development of their communities. Early success laid the foundation for the growth of modern tribal gaming and its potential as a financial resource for tribes.
To address the growing industry and establish a regulatory framework, the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) was enacted by Congress in October 1988. Alongside the IGRA, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) was established to oversee and regulate tribal gaming operations, ensuring these activities supported federal, state, and tribal interests simultaneously.
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Explore the Best Tribal Casinos Near Your U.S. Location
The Seminole Tribe of Florida pioneered tribal gaming in 1979 with a high-stakes bingo hall. Since then, tribal casinos have grown significantly in the U.S., now operating in 29 states. As previously mentioned, the number of gambling operations on tribal land accelerated after the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, which provided a legal framework for operations to flourish countrywide.
How Big Are Tribal Casinos in the United States?
Despite the influx of many online casinos with real money, tribal casinos are still a major contributor to the U.S. gambling industry. In 2023, they generated around $41.9 billion in gross gaming revenue, marking a 2.4% increase over the previous record-setting year. Tribal casinos account for approximately half of the total gaming revenue for licensed and regulated American casinos every year.
Revenue from these establishments directly supports essential tribal services, including healthcare, education, and housing programs, while also creating thousands of jobs for indigenous people.
Top Casino Games to Experience at Tribal Casinos
Native American gambling began mainly with games like bingo and slot machines, which laid the groundwork for today’s entertainment-diverse tribal casinos. Over the years, these establishments have evolved to offer a wide array of gambling options, catering to various player preferences.
Tribal casinos now provide a broad range of games, including:
Slot Machines
From classic reels to modern video slots and progressive jackpots, slot machines dominate the gaming floor. Play these games online.
Poker
Many casinos feature poker rooms with cash games and tournaments for all skill levels. Play these games online.
Baccarat
A fast-paced card game loved by high rollers and casual players alike. Play these games online.
Try One of These Popular Tribal Casinos in the USA
These are the top 10 largest tribal casinos in the U.S. based on their floor size and game selection.
| Casino | U.S. State | Size (Sq. Feet) | Games Available | Best Online Alternative |
| WinStar World Casino and Resort | Oklahoma | 400,000 | 10,000 slot machines, 100 table games,55 poker tables | DuckyLuck |
| Foxwoods Resort Casino | Connecticut | 344,000 | 3,300 slot machines, 150 table games, 54 poker tables | Ignition Casino |
| Mohegan Sun | Connecticut | 300,000 | 4,000 slot machines, 300 table games, 33 poker tables | Wild Casino |
| Seminole Hard Rock Casino | Florida | 140,000 | 5,000 slot machines, 140 table games, 46 poker tables | Las Atlantis |
| Yaamava’ Resort Casino | California | 220,000 | 2,000 slot machines, 100 table games, 32 poker tables | Wild Casino |
| Pechanga Resort & Casino | California | 200,000 | 5,400 slot machines, 152 table games, 38 poker tables | Bovada |
| Choctaw Casino Resort | Oklahoma | 218,000 | 4,300 slot machines, 48 tables games, 26 poker tables | DuckyLuck |
| Mystic Lake Hotel and Casino | Minnesota | 150,000 | 4,000 slot machines, 100 tables games | Ignition Casino |
| Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort | North Carolina | 150,000 | 3,280 slot machines, 100 tables games, 20 poker tables | Las Atlantis |
| River Spirit Casino | Oklahoma | 1200,000 | 3,100 slot machines, 32 table games, 12 poker tables | DuckyLuck |
How Tribal Casinos Interface with Gambling Laws in the United States
Tribal casinos operate under the IGRA and tribal-state compacts, established after a 1987 Supreme Court decision affirming tribes’ rights to run casinos on reservations. Laws today reflect tribal sovereignty, regulatory challenges, and support for tribal economic development and justice access.
The IGRA classifies gaming activities on Indian lands into three distinct categories:
| Category | Description | Examples |
| Class I | Tribal games for ceremonies or low-value prizes. | Traditional tribal ceremonies and celebrations, Social games with minimal prizes |
| Class II | Bingo and non-banked card games regulated by tribes. | Bingo, Pull-tabs, lotto, punchboards, tip jars, instant bingo, and other games similar to bingo, Non-banked card games such as poker |
| Class III | Casino-style games requiring tribal-state agreements. | Slot machines, Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Banking card games such as baccarat and chemin de fer |
From Tradition to Transformation: The Resilience of Tribal Casinos Today
From humble beginnings, tribal casinos have grown in numbers and stature to become a cornerstone of the U.S. gambling industry. With mature legal frameworks ensuring tribal sovereignty and fair operations, they are a prime example of what inclusive economic development can achieve when aligned with cultural preservation and legal integrity.
Whether you’re drawn in by the unique gambling options, immersive atmosphere, or the chance to support Native American communities, these casinos offer a gaming experience like no other.
If you arrived here searching for an online casino,explore your best options.
FAQ
FAQ
Yes, they must be located on tribal land as defined by the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). These lands are federally recognized as part of a tribe’s sovereign territory.
No, not all tribes operate casinos. Only federally recognized tribes with the necessary land, resources, and approval under IGRA can establish gaming facilities.
These establishments are tax-exempt and operate under tribal-state compacts, which often include revenue-sharing agreements with state governments. In contrast, commercial casinos are for-profit businesses that pay taxes on their earnings.
Revenue from these casinos, which exceeds $39 billion annually, is reinvested in communities for education, social services, infrastructure, and small business loans. All fund allocations must be approved by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC).
You can play a wide range of games, including slot machines, poker, blackjack, bingo, and roulette. The games available depend on the tribal-state compact and the class of gaming authorized at the casino.
Disclaimer:
This article aims to provide basic, general information about gambling laws in the United States. Since the legal landscape of gambling is in constant flux, the information presented here may not reflect the most up-to-date laws or rulings. For precise and state-specific legal advice, you should converse with a legal professional or consult a government official. The information in this guide is always open to revision, and individual states are free to pass new laws or amend old ones whenever they choose. Always make sure you’re following the local laws before you engage in any gambling activities.