"Indian government gaming works best when tribes use it as part of an overall plan to improve life on the reservation. It was the intent of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988, that gaming was to be conducted on 'Indian lands.'

Unfortunately, this country has strayed from the intent of IGRA. Indian gaming has become a tool for non-Indian development companies and casino corporations seeking profits, and state officials seeking to tax tribal government revenues.

Some tribal leaders have compounded the situation by allowing themselves to fall prey to non-Indian interests. They are offering up their sovereignty for the almighty dollar.

The result is a proliferation of off-reservation gaming commonly known as 'reservation shopping' - a trend that is generating a great deal of negative publicity and congressional scrutiny toward Indian nations."

Get the Story:
Deron Marquez: Losing our way, off the reservation (Indian Country Today 10/13)