Casinos on Indian Reservation - Essay Example

Casinos on Indian Reservation al Affiliation Casinos on Indian Reservation Since changes of Indian Gaming Regulation Act on late eighties, tribal gaming industry has grown significantly on reservation (Mullis & Kamper, 2001). Consequently, there has been different impact of casinos on Native American reservation. Such impacts are either positive or negative. This paper seeks to delve on effects of casinos on reservations, how currents social problems might be amplified by presence of casinos, and how might casinos affect the Native American families.

The establishments of casinos on Native American reservation affect this society in various ways. There are positive and negative effects. The positive effects on reservations are mostly on economic of Native American reservation. Firstly, the economic landscape of Native American reservations can change significantly. The number of employed Native American will increase in nearly all reservation, as there will be employment opportunities in casinos (Mullis & Kamper, 2001). Secondly, there will be increased earnings in those communities that surround reserves due to increased source of revenue (Mullis & Kamper, 2001).

This will also alter the number of families registered in various social programs, which provide support to such families (Mullis & Kamper, 2001). Moreover, the per capita income in these reserves is likely to improve and hence this might cause changes in lifestyle in American native reservation (Mullis & Kamper, 2001). Lastly, proceeds generated from casinos are more likely to be used in both physical and social capital, such as provision of health care, and building of schools.On the other hand, the emergence of casinos on American native reserves leads to negative effects.

For example, many of the young Native American may engage in various games found on casinos and fail to attend schools (Mullis & Kamper, 2001). There is a probability of having increased social ills. Such social ills include fights during gaming, cybercrime, theft, fraud, and embezzlement (Mullis & Kamper, 2001). Moreover, the rate of prostitution is likely to rise in areas with established casinos due to increased flow of money (Mullis & Kamper, 2001).There are various forms of social problems experienced by Native Americans.

Such problems will increase with the emergence of casinos. The most significant problem is the rise of crime rates in a community where casinos are established (Mullis & Kamper, 2001). This can be documented with increased rates of forgery, embezzlement, and stolen property (Mullis & Kamper, 2001).Casinos in various ways might influence Native American families. The addictive nature of gambling will lead to rise in number of broken homes and families (Mullis & Kamper, 2001). On the contrary, most of the Native American families are likely to enjoy improved living conditions.

The number of children living in poverty is likely to decrease in areas with established casinos (Mullis & Kamper, 2001). Moreover, casinos are likely to lead to an increase in family’s income and avoid overreliance in assistance income (Mullis & Kamper, 2001). This further causes a decline in family and child poverty rates (Mullis & Kamper, 2001). In conclusion, several benefits and challenges result due to introduction of casinos on Native American reservations. However, it appears that the benefits outweigh the challenges.

ReferenceMullis, A & Kamper, D. (2001). Indian Gaming: who Wins? New York: UCLA American Indian Studies Center