Progress In Indian Country
Native Americans in Minnesota have made progress in recent years despite their historical “underdog” status within the dominant culture. For example, Tribal Gaming and Tourism have increased the standard of living for many Minnesota Tribes and at the same time have decreased welfare costs among Native Americans. Currently, eleven Minnesota tribes operate 18 casinos within Minnesota.
(From the 2006 City Business ‘Book of Lists’)
Tribal Gaming and Tourism
In Minnesota, tribal gaming and tourism rank second only to the Mall of America in generating tourist dollars. In 2000, almost 21 million customers visited tribal gaming and tourism businesses. Of these customers, 17%, (over 3.5 million) were from other states and spent almost $190 million on gas, food, lodging and other purchases both on and off the reservation.
A Top State Employer
In 2006, all Minnesota casinos combined were the 12th largest employer in Minnesota (12,900 employees), just below the 3M Company*. In comparison, in 1989, just before the large gaming expansion, 750 people were employed in Indian gaming.**
As of 2005/2006, 27% of casino employees are Indian; 73% are non-Indian.**
(*From the Minnesota American Indian Chamber of Commerce)
(** Indians in Minnesota—2006)
Economic Benefits of Indian Gaming
The average full-time tribal casino job cost about $40,000 including about $22,000 in take-home pay and $8,500 in employment taxes.
(Minnesota American Indian Chamber of Commerce, Web site, 2009)
Tribal Gaming Donations and Government Assistance
Tribes with casinos contribute about $1.5 million per year to support off-reservation programs for Indians including health care, chemical dependency treatment, job training and placement, and emergency assistance.*
In addition to tribal donations to off-reservation Indian programs, tribal gaming has decreased the burden on state and county public assistance programs by providing employment for rural communities.
For example, AFDC (Aid to Families with Dependent Children) payments have gone down almost 18% in counties with casinos**, and statewide there was a 58% decrease in Indians receiving general assistance.***
(*Minnesota Gaming Association, Web site, July 2004)
(**Minnesota American Indian Chamber of Commerce, Web site, 2009)
(*** Minnesota Indian Gaming Association, Marquette Advisors, 2002)