The results of a large study undertaken by the Center for California Native Nations at the University of California Riverside (UCR), were shared at the Western Indian Gaming Conference held in early December in Palm Springs. The UCR research team has now published the findings contained in the report, which to say the least, shed a positive light on the benefits of tribal casino gambling in California.

Using figures from National Censuses between 1990 and 2000, as well as numerous interviews and surveys, the UCR Research team showed that tribal governments who offer casino gaming, have increased their per capita income as much as 55% on average between 1990 and 2000, while those tribal governments not participating in casino gaming activities of any kind showed a 15% increase in per capita income.

For those who helped conduct the research, such as principal investigator and Director of the Center of California Native Nations, Joel Martin, the results were pleasantly reassuring. Martin said this study proves that the benefits of tribal casino gaming are going to the reservations and tribal communities that need the most help. Yet, there are distinct differences still between the living conditions of most Americans and Native Americans. What was most promising was a majority approval of tribal casino gambling in California from local and state governments surveyed during the course of the study.

Martin brought together a large and diversified research team for the study, which included economists, anthropologists, historians and political scientists. With funding from the Pechanga Tribal Government, the study was well suited to cover a broad range of issues particular to Native Americans and tribal gaming, and to bring about a heightened awareness of the impact of tribal government affairs on California and the inequalities between tribes largely resulting from revenue shortages.