Although less stringent than those withdrawn by the National Indian Gaming Council (NIGC) last year, the National Indian Gaming Association says that compliance with updated machine regulations published by the NIGC this week looks set to have a hugely detrimental financial impact upon the tribal gaming industry and manufacturers.

The Mashantucket's partnership with casino giant MGM Grand in 2006 marked the tribe's intention to become a major player in the gaming industry, and until recently they were planning a $100m development of their Foxwoods Resort Casino. But, after announcing more than 300 lay-offs at Foxwoods, their ambitions are on hold and the tribe have scaled back on some of their off-reservation casino projects.

Tribal casinos in the US could take a nearly $2 billion revenue hit and face huge compliance costs and job losses in the wake of a proposed federal crackdown on Class II gambling machines, a new study finds. The report, undertaken on behalf of the National Indian Gaming Commission, is likely to intensify an already heated debate over plans for tough new regulations for bingo slots and similar machines.

While discussions on the federal internet gambling proposals are under way, several states are also currently looking to legalize internet gambling at a state level. In the meantime, a six month delay in the implementation of the UIGEA regulations has been announced by the US Treasury.

The Saginaw’s Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort is one of Michigan’s most popular destinations.  The casino is well situated in Michigan and attracts hordes of visitors from Chicago, Detroit and even Canada.  Due to its high volumes of traffic and popularity in Michigan, the casino more than holds its own against the three major Detroit casinos, including the MGM Grand Detroit.

The unveiling of the Valley View Casino in 2001 appeared to signal a new era of tribal economic opportunity and prosperity for the San Pasqual. But internal strife over who is and who isn't a tribal member is proving incredibly problematic for the tribe. It's required intervention by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, potentially hindering expansion efforts in the process. At the heart of the issue is the authenticity of 80 of the tribe’s 300 enrolled members.

In recent years the Morongo's gaming operations have morphed into full-scale Las Vegas-style gambling. They've come some way since running an unassuming bingo hall in the early 1980s. And, approval of the tribe’s negotiated compact paves the way for further growth down the road, with authorization for significant expansion of their gaming operations.

As one of the United States’ largest tribes, the Chickasaw are a dominant force in Oklahoma’s gaming market.  The tribe operate Oklahoma’s largest casino and 60 business ventures, including a total of 13 casinos.  And, with profits consistently on the rise, the tribe appear well positioned for increased growth and well placed to ride out the economic downturn affecting much of the country.

The unveiling of the River Rock Casino Resort in 2002 represented a massive victory for the Dry Creek Band, as the tribe’s efforts to bring Las Vegas-style gaming to their northern California reservation were met with fervent opposition from neighboring communities and state officials. The venue benefits from its close proximity to Napa Valley and San Francisco, and was slated for a massive $300m overhaul, which is now indefinitely on hold, due to the current economic crisis.

The federal agency that oversees tribal casinos has again pushed back a decision on whether to toughen up regulations on Class II gambling machines. The move by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) comes as the struggling and underfunded agency flounders in its bid to reassert its authority over the US$26bn Indian gaming industry.