What is a primary objective of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act?

The primary objective of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) is to promote economic development for Native American tribes. This act was enacted in 1988 to provide a framework for the regulation of gaming on tribal lands and to ensure that tribes have the right to operate gaming facilities. By allowing tribes to conduct gaming, IGRA aims to support their economic self-sufficiency and development, which can lead to improvements in the quality of life for their members. The act encourages tribal sovereignty and economic independence, facilitating the opportunity for tribes to create jobs, generate revenues, and strengthen their communities through the establishment of gaming operations. This focus on economic empowerment is central to the act’s intention and foundational to its implementation.