Rapid Proliferation Indian Gaming a Positive Negative Effect San Diego Region

Indian Gaming in San Diego

The history of Native American tribes is a long, complicated, and more often than not, a sad one. Today, thanks to efforts to help tribes preserve their identity, culture and numbers by means of reservations, many Native Americans not only survive, but also thrive. Indian gaming is one means that has been a source of great income and prosperity for Native American tribes in the San Diego region. Although the economic impact of gaming has been very positive, critics of legalizing and regulating such casinos have expressed concerns regarding potentially negative impacts. While Indian gaming in San Diego has positive impacts for the economy and upliftment of Indian tribes, negative impacts could relate to industry monopolization.

According to the National Gambling Impact Study Commission Report (n.d.), large-scale Indian casino gambling had its origins in 1987. During this year, the Supreme Court found hat the state of California had no authority over gambling activities within Indian reservations. The Court also recognized the need for regulation, however, and Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (AGRA) in 1988. One of the provisions of the act requires that revenues from gambling be used for the economic development and welfare of Indian tribes in their region.

This has been one of the primary advantages of Indian gaming in California in general and in San Diego specifically. This is evident in the Barona reservation, where gaming has had significant impacts on the economy and well-being of the tribe, just as intended by the legislation. Economic improvements in the reservation, for example, include education, Community Center renovations, emergency services, waste water treatment, and new roads, which include an emergency access road. Infrastructure improvements have also been made to tribal homes (Barona Band of Mission Indians, 2013). Other advantages of gaming for the Barona reservation also include 100% medical, dental and vision insurance coverage for both tribal members and non-tribal spouses and dependents. Tribal families have received 83 new homes, while the playgrounds have al been rebuilt for children. Seniors' homes have also seen improvements to help older tribe members on the reservation live an improved quality of life. In short, because of Indian gaming, the Barona tribe, like many others in the area, has become self-reliant, able to sustain its people, their well-being, and provide for their needs. In addition, the tribe has used its prosperity make some $30 million in donations to charitable organizations throughout the San Diego county. This is stated as continuing the Barona "tradition of sharing." Furthermore, one of the aims of the tribe is to preserve its cultural heritage for future generations (Barona Band of Mission Indians, 2013).