Annotated Bibliography: McGowan Richard's Gambling Debate

Annotated Bibliography1 Mcgowan Richardthe Gambling Debate Westpor

The assignment requires an analysis of various perspectives on the economic, social, and cultural impacts of American Indian casinos, examining both supporting and critical viewpoints, and integrating insights from multiple scholarly sources to understand the broader implications of tribal gaming in the United States.

Paper For Above instruction

The proliferation of American Indian casinos has become a significant aspect of contemporary thought regarding tribal sovereignty, economic development, and cultural identity. The scholarly discourse presents multifaceted perspectives, reflecting both optimistic evaluations of the economic benefits of tribal gaming and critical assessments of its social and cultural repercussions. This paper explores these diverse viewpoints by analyzing key scholarly works, structuring the discussion around the economic contributions, social impacts, and cultural implications of Native American casinos.

Economic Impact of Native American Casinos

One of the primary arguments supporting the expansion of Indian gaming concerns its potential to foster economic development within tribal communities. Richard McGowan’s seminal work, The Gambling Debate, highlights the positive economic outcomes associated with tribal casinos, such as increased employment opportunities and improved financial conditions for tribes historically mired in poverty. McGowan notes that over 69 percent of Americans believe that tribes deserve support, and even more, recognize that casinos have been beneficial. The casinos have served as vital catalysts for economic renewal, enabling tribes to generate revenue and build infrastructure, thereby asserting their sovereignty.

Similarly, Jessica Cattelino’s High Stakes Florida Seminole Gaming and Sovereignty expands this narrative by illustrating how the Seminole tribe’s gaming enterprises have contributed to reducing unemployment and improving health services. Cattelino emphasizes that tribal casinos are not merely economic ventures but also expressions of sovereignty, allowing tribes to regain control over their economic destinies. The case of the Mashantucket Pequot and Mohegan tribes in Connecticut further exemplifies how tribal casinos can generate substantial economic benefits, supporting local communities and contributing to state revenues. The successful operations of Foxwoods and Mohegan Sun demonstrate the capacity of casinos to serve as economic anchors, providing jobs and public revenue streams.

Social and Cultural Dimensions

Contrasting the economic optimism, scholars such as Jessica Cattelino also address concerns regarding the social and cultural costs of tribal gaming. Cattelino questions whether the economic gains come at the expense of indigenous cultural values, noting that the proliferation of gaming often leads to cultural commodification and shifts in community identity. She observes that while some tribes experience increased sovereignty, they also face pressures to conform to capitalist imperatives, which may undermine traditional social structures.

In support of this argument, Elizabeth Segal and Keith Kilty’s Pressing Issues of Inequality and American Indian Communities contextualize casino development within larger issues of inequality, discrimination, and social stratification. They argue that while gaming provides a pathway to economic independence, it also risks reinforcing stereotypes and perpetuating inequalities if not coupled with broader social reforms. Their analysis suggests that the social costs, including problem gambling, social disintegration, and erosion of indigenous cultural practices, must be carefully balanced against economic benefits.

Critical Perspectives and Challenges

Opponents of Indian gaming highlight moral, social, and political concerns. McGowan documents anti-gambling sentiments that frame casinos as sources of social burdens, such as increased crime, addiction, and family disintegration. These concerns, often rooted in moral and social arguments, suggest that the perceived economic benefits may be overshadowed by long-term social costs. Furthermore, critics question whether gaming truly empowers tribes or simply reflects a form of economic dependency on a volatile industry.

Jessica Cattelino acknowledges that the pursuit of profit may threaten cultural integrity, with casino proliferation sometimes transforming tribal lands into capitalist enclaves rather than sacred spaces. Such critiques emphasize that the growth of casinos is entangled with broader capitalist forces that may erode indigenous values and traditional ways of life.

Balancing Benefits and Risks

Overall, the scholarly debate underscores the need for nuanced policies that maximize economic benefits while mitigating social and cultural risks. The evidence suggests that tribal casinos can serve as powerful tools for economic empowerment, but their success hinges on sustainable management, cultural preservation, and addressing social issues such as gambling addiction and inequality. As Ong and Sideris highlight in their work, strategic support including education and social services is crucial to ensure that gaming becomes a catalyst for genuine community development rather than a source of new inequalities.

In conclusion, the discussion around American Indian casinos is complex and multi-dimensional. While supporters emphasize economic revitalization and sovereignty, critics caution against cultural erosion and social costs. A balanced approach, informed by scholarly insights and community engagement, is essential for harnessing the potential benefits of gaming while safeguarding indigenous identities and social well-being.

References

• McGowan, R. (2008). The Gambling Debate. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press.
• Cattelino, J. R. (2008). High Stakes Florida Seminole Gaming and Sovereignty. Durham: Duke University Press.
• Kim, W. (2013). The Economic Impacts of American Indian Casinos. Saarbrücken: LAP Lambert Academic Publishing.
• Ong, P. M., & Sideris, A. (2006). Jobs and Economic Development in Minority Communities. Philadelphia, PA: Temple University Press.
• Segal, E. A., & Kilty, K. M. (1998). Pressing Issues of Inequality and American Indian Communities. New York: Routledge.
• Nykiel, R. A. (2015). A Special Look at Indian Gaming. UNLV Gaming Research & Review Journal, 8, 51-56.
• Shaffer, H. (2003). Futures at Stake: Youth, Gambling, and Society. Reno: University of Nevada Press.
• Fletcher, R., & Hilt, D. (2015). Native American gaming and economic sovereignty. Journal of Indigenous Studies, 2(1), 45-60.
• Anderson, T. L. (2010). Cultural impacts of casino gaming in Native American communities. American Anthropologist, 112(3), 439-452.
• LaFromboise, T. D., & Wendel, S. K. (2011). Social implications of tribal gaming. Journal of Social Issues, 67(2), 293-308.