Reservation residents have to follow laws made by the U.S. government, but not those made by states.
Many states outlaw casinos or at least place complicated rules on how they can be run. But because tribes do not have to follow state laws, they can establish casinos on reservations with little interference.
Aside from some regulations set by the U.S. government, tribes are largely free to operate these businesses as they choose.
Since the 1980s, many Native American tribes have opened casinos and gambling parlors. Some have been very successful, giving a big financial boost to tribes and providing jobs for tribe members.
Although some Native Americans oppose the casinos because they think gambling is wrong, others are pleased by how casino income has helped their tribes to prosper.
