While Nevada is famous globally, the vast majority of physical casino locations in the United States are actually located on tribal lands.
The existence of these massive tribal resorts is the result of decades of complex legal battles and federal legislation.
The Legal Foundation: The IGRA of 1988
The primary goal of the IGRA was to promote tribal economic development, self-sufficiency, and strong local governments.
Under the IGRA, gaming is divided into three distinct classes, each subject to entirely different levels of state and federal regulation.
- Many tribes use casino profits to build massive infrastructure projects, funding local schools, state-of-the-art hospitals, and vital housing developments
- Some tribes distribute a portion of the net gaming revenues directly to individual tribal members in the form of regular 'per capita' payments
- The success of these resorts has completely transformed the economic reality for several formerly impoverished Native American communities
The Mechanics of Class II Bingo Slots
This is because Class II slot machines are not actually slot machines at all; they are high-speed, electronic bingo games in disguise.
In a true Class III Vegas slot machine, an internal Random Number Generator determines the outcome of your spin the exact millisecond you press the button.
| Machine Feature | Class III (Vegas Style) | Class II (Tribal Style) |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome Determination | Internal RNG (Independent Event) | Networked Bingo Draw (Dependent Event) |
| Visual Interface | Reels match the exact math | Reels are just 'entertainment'; look for a tiny bingo card on the screen |
The next time you play at a tribal resort, take a moment to appreciate the complex legal history that built the building.