Casinos.com poll recognizes seven tribal and First Nation casinos for community impact

Seven Indigenous-owned casinos across the United States and Canada have been named by local residents as top contributors to their communities, according to voting results released by Casinos.com during its Tribal Casinos Month campaign.

The initiative coincided with National Indigenous History Month in Canada and aimed to spotlight how tribal and First Nation casinos allocate resources for cultural, economic, and social programs. Community members voted for casinos they believed had the most local impact through funding, services, or donations.

“We’re proud to help shine a spotlight on these tribal and First Nation casinos,” said Lee Gwilliam, senior vice president at Casinos.com. “The results reflect the thoughts of the community in terms of not only entertainment excellence, but dedication to cultural preservation, economic resilience, and community uplift.”

US winners

• Michigan – Soaring Eagle Casino (53%)
  Operated by the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, the casino supports the Nimkee Memorial Wellness Center and provides grants to local schools for technology and curriculum development beyond standard revenue-sharing requirements.
• Florida – Seminole Hard Rock Tampa (54%)
  Voters recognized its disaster relief efforts and food donations during COVID-19. The casino has supported World Central Kitchen and the American Red Cross.
• California – Yaamava’ Resort & Casino (44%)
  Owned by the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, the property funded wildfire relief and donated $200,000 to the Ronald McDonald House to assist families of hospitalized children.
• Oklahoma – WinStar World Casino (49%)
  Operated by the Chickasaw Nation, WinStar was noted for health care investments, including the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center, and renewable energy projects.

Canadian winners

• Ontario – Casino Rama (55%)
  Owned by the Chippewas of Rama First Nation, it funds local arts, youth programs, and Ojibwe language classes through its Culture and Research Department.
• Alberta – River Cree Resort (51%)
  This Enoch Cree Nation enterprise invests in trades training and works with groups like Ever Active Schools on wellness programs.
• Saskatchewan – Dakota Dunes Casino (56%)
  Operated by SIGA, the casino supports mental health services and Indigenous cultural events. In 2023, SIGA allocated $1.89 million to food, health, and youth initiatives.

The campaign was based entirely on public voting and forms part of Casinos.com’s continuing coverage of Indigenous-run casinos across North America.