Why Are Indian Casinos on Water?

Updated by Giuseppe Faraone verified symbol on October 11, 2023

The question of why Indian casinos are on the water is a common one. There are several theories that attempt to answer it. A popular explanation is that many Native American tribes originally occupied coastal areas. Others argue that it enables casino operators to take advantage of loopholes in gambling laws. So, what's the real story? In this article, we'll explore the history of Indian casinos and how they found their place on the water.

The History of Indian Casinos

In the early 1970s, the US federal government passed a law allowing Native American tribes to open casinos on their reservations. The first Indian casino opened in 1976, and others quickly followed.

The logic behind putting casinos on reservations is that they are sovereign nations, not subject to state laws. This created a unique opportunity for tribes to offer gambling without being weighed down by state regulations. The history of Indian casinos is believed to have taken shape then and risen to great success. 

Today, there are over 400 Indian casinos across the country, generating billions of dollars in revenue each year. Casinos have provided a much-needed economic boost to many reservation communities.

Industry experts, however, argue that Indian casinos, unlike online casinos, fail to help at-risk gamblers and hurt local state economies. However, there is no denying the positive impact casinos have had on many Native American tribes.

The Benefits of Water-Based Casinos

There are many benefits to having a water-based casino. To begin with, it attracts more visitors to your casino. Water-based casinos are also more likely to have better weather conditions, which can be a big draw for people who want to gamble outdoors. 

In addition, water-based casinos remain cool during the hotter months. People often flock to the water to cool off when the temperatures rise. Having a casino on the water can help keep your guests comfortable and returning often.

Also, water-based casinos can offer a unique and stylish setting for your gambling establishment. If you want your casino to stand out from the rest, having it on the water can give it that extra edge. 

The Drawbacks of Water-Based Casinos

There are a few drawbacks to having casinos on water. First, they are often located in remote areas that are difficult to reach. This makes it difficult for people to access the casino. Also, water-based casinos can be expensive to build and maintain.

Running costs eat deep into their profits, making them less desirable than land-based locations. Random weather changes in the water also affect these casinos. This often results in closures or cancellations of events.

The Future of Indian Casinos

As the popularity of gambling continues to grow in the United States, many wonder what the future of Indian casinos will be. While over 500 Native American tribes are currently operating casinos, only a handful are on the water.

So, why are Indian casinos on water? The answer is two-fold. First, many tribes believe that being on the water brings them closer to their ancestors and the spirit world. Second, it allows them to avoid state jurisdiction and taxation.

While there is no guarantee that Indian casinos will continue to be on the water, it is clear that they have been successful in the past and will likely continue to be so in the future.

Gaming in the Water

There are a few reasons why Indian casinos are often built on water. It's a way to keep the casino accessible to people who cannot drive or take public transportation. It provides a stunning backdrop for the casino that can help attract customers. While, let’s be honest, building on the water is just plain cool.

If you're ever in an area with an Indian casino, be sure to check it out. You might be surprised at how much you enjoy it.

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Giuseppe Faraone
Author & Online Gambling Expert Giuseppe Faraone verified symbol
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Based in Valencia, Spain, Giuseppe gave up Milan for sunny shores. New licenses, new casinos, new bonuses, new games - there's always something to write about. Being so close to the action in the gambling industry, he's on top of any new developments the minute they come through the door. Aiming to deliver updates and comprehensive information to you, he does his best to test out and rate what he reviews thoroughly. Giuseppe is also a book writer. In October 2022, he published his first book called The Untold Story of Online Gambling, available on Amazon.
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