A tribal wager toward self-sufficiency

To most of us, tossing some quarters into a slot machine at our favorite tribal casino is just a pleasant pastime.

But to Native Americans from sea to shining sea, our modest financial risks are a matter of grave economic consequences. Legal gaming provides revenue they simply can’t get anywhere else; revenue that has lifted many out of welfare’s gutter. But it doesn’t happen without tribal risk.

On the recommendation of Hagadone Hospitality managers, the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho has made a major investment to convert dozens of slot machines at the Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa so they can accept Canadian currency. As today’s front-page story explains, it’s the only casino in the U.S. that has made that conversion. The Kootenais, a tiny tribe less than 30 miles from the border, have done so to reverse the loss of business from loyal Canadian customers who couldn’t make up the difference between their weak dollar and the strong U.S. buck. This is a venture into uncharted territory that bears some risk but also potential reward for themselves and other tribes. If the Kootenais are successful, other tribal casinos along the border will almost certainly follow their lead.

To get some idea of the impact of gaming on tribes, consider these facts from a National Indian Gaming Commission report:

• Indian gaming generated $25.8 billion in 2014.

• Small and moderate operations with revenue of $25 million or less make up 60 percent of the Indian gaming industry.

• From that group, roughly two-thirds reported gaming revenue of more than $3 million.

While the Kootenais and Hagadone Hospitality officials don’t disclose their numbers, it’s safe to assume that theirs is a small casino operation. What’s known is that the gaming revenue stream is vital to the tribe and to residents in the Bonners Ferry area. Thanks largely to the 170 or so jobs generated by the casino business — it’s the largest private employer in the area — the community has made the difficult transition from the sagging timber industry, said Tom Turpin, the Kootenai River Inn Casino and Spa’s general manager who’s been employed there nearly 30 years. And just like the Coeur d’Alene Tribe and its casino, many of those prized jobs are held by non-tribal members.

Gaming and the revenue it creates have dramatically strengthened tribal governments and services, increased self-sufficiency and bolstered self-determination. There’s also tremendous value to a community, we believe, in the teamwork and camaraderie that comes from tribal and non-tribal members working side by side toward a common goal.

We commend the Kootenai Tribe of Idaho for making this bold investment not just for their future, but for their community as well.