"The euphoria of Indian casinos has begun to diminish after nearly 17 years. The problems encountered were not those projected by the naysayers. Organized crime did not gain a foothold in Indian country as was predicted by state governments, nor did overall criminal acts jump in huge numbers.
What has happened is that there is a new culture arising in Indian country. It is a culture that has existed in Las Vegas and in New Jersey since gaming became a legalized business. And now, it is spreading across America.
When I worked in Harrah's Club in Reno, Nev., many years ago, I was a part of that culture. It is one that views customers as 'them' and the casino workers as 'us.' We (the casino workers) learned to strongly distrust 'them.'"
Get the Story:
Tim Giago: New gaming culture rises in Indian country
(The Grand Forks Herald 6/30)
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Tim Giago: Casinos create culture of 'us' and 'them'
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
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