HYDE: Mccloud says gaming's made a difference to tribes all over the country in two important ways.

HWEQWIDI HANFORD MCCLOUD: For the longest time here - and I could probably say across a lot of reservations - we weren't living life. He says the Nisqually didn't even have running water or reliable electricity until the 1970s. HYDE: And gambling revenues made a big difference to the lives of tribal members like Hweqwidi Hanford Mccloud with the Nisqually Tribal Council. I figure if I'm going to give it to anyone, it needs to go to a worthy cause. NELSON: To scholarships and to medical care and just to support the families. HYDE: But Nelson says it eases the pain to know her lost money goes to the tribe. So it keeps me entertained while I'm losing money. She's at the Nisqually Red Wind Casino near Olympia, Wash.ĭEBBIE NELSON: It does a lot of fun things.

It could also undermine Native sovereignty, as David Hyde of member station KUOW in Seattle reports.ĭAVID HYDE, BYLINE: Debbie Nelson's favorite slot machine is Yogi Bear-themed. If successful, the suit could slash revenue for tribes. That regulation has led to a lawsuit claiming discrimination. In Washington state, you're now allowed to bet on sports, but only in tribal casinos.