Policy
Seminole Tribe v. Butterworth (1981): The Case That Started Tribal Gaming
A regulatory-versus-prohibitory distinction, decided in 1981, is why tribal gaming exists at all.
News, policy, and the complete directory of tribal casinos across the U.S. and Canada — a $41 billion industry, covered with the depth it deserves. From Seminole sports-betting compacts to Saskatchewan SIGA operations, we cover all 245+ tribal gaming operations.
A regulatory-versus-prohibitory distinction, decided in 1981, is why tribal gaming exists at all.
Two states, one city, and a river that moved. The Prairie Flower fight rewrote what restored-lands gaming can look like.
The devices are legally pari-mutuel wagers. On the floor, players cannot tell the difference — and neither can tribal revenue.
A Panhandle property built on borrowed geography just added the one amenity that keeps travelers from driving home.
A tribe with one of California's smallest usable land bases answered the constraint by building upward.
Every federally recognized tribe operating a gaming facility in the United States, plus First Nations operators in Canada — verified, categorized by IGRA class, and searchable by state, nation, and property.
Operator of seven Hard Rock-branded properties in Florida and controlling interest in the global Hard Rock International brand. Holder of a 2021 federal compact granting exclusive statewide sports betting.
Operates WinStar World Casino & Resort — the largest casino in the world by gaming floor — plus 22 other gaming properties statewide.
Owner-operator of Foxwoods Resort Casino, long one of the largest integrated resort casinos in North America.
Operates Pechanga Resort Casino in Temecula — the largest resort casino on the West Coast.
A nonprofit consortium of 74 First Nations operating seven casinos under provincial framework agreement.
Everything operators, regulators, journalists, and tribal leaders need to know about what is — and is not — permitted under IGRA, state compacts, and the Canadian Criminal Code. Updated quarterly. Reviewed by Indian-law attorneys.