Gambling: Classifications of Native American Casinos

If you live in a state, like I do, where gambling is not a recreational activity that is readily available, it is not uncommon to venture outside of the state in search of the casino and gambling venture. Rather than heading to Las Vegas, Nevada, many Americans choose to fulfill their recreational gambling activities in a Native American tribal casino. In many cases, these casinos are within a short driving distance to your home.

When visiting a Native American tribal casino, there are some interesting facts you may want to consider. First, in compliance with the Congressional passing of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, those Indian tribes that are federally recognized may establish a casino on the reservation, using a classification method.

For Native American tribal casinos of Class I, this simply means the casinos is designed for social types of gaming with very small gambling prizes. Because the gambling prizes are limited, the tribe is not required to report any financial data to the United States government.

Under Class II, a Native American tribal casino may expand its social gaming offers to include bingo, lottery tickets, pull tabs and any other gaming which does not require a bank card. In contrast to Class I gaming, the Class II gaming will require the Native American tribe to create a gaming ordinance that is approved by gaming regulators.

With bank card requirements, the Native American tribe must apply for, and obtain, a Class III approval, creating an agreement between the Native American tribe casino and the state in which it is located. Under the Class III gaming, the gambling public bets against the house, may bet on sporting events, animal events or use electronic methods for gambling, i.e. slot machines.