Native Americans and Gambling Stigma and Stereotypes in
Native Americans and Gambling – Stigma and Stereotypes in Indian Country William “Ted” Hartwell, Associate Research Scientist, Desert Research Institute, Nevada System of Higher Education Sydney Smith, LPC, LADC, NCGC, Ph. D. Candidate; Clinical Director, Rise Center for Recovery
Acknowledgments n n n DEES Lander Endowment; DRI VPR funding Carol O’Hare - Nevada Council on Problem Gambling Dr. An-Pyng Sun, UNLV School of Social Work Dr. Bo Bernhard, UNLV International Gaming Institute Richard Arnold, DRI; Pahrump Paiute Bea Aikens, Lanie’s Hope Alan Feldman, Senior VP Public Affairs, MGM Resorts International; Chair National Center for Responsible Gaming Honorable Cheryl B. Moss, 8 th Judicial District Court Judge Tracy Mike, Duckwater Shoshone Tribe Angela Winward, RISE Center for Recovery Evergreen Council – Four Directions Conference
Gambling in Indian Country ■ Gambling in a traditional cultural context ■ ■ ■ Early 1900 s – 229 different Native American groups playing 36 different types of games – games of skill and games of chance – gambling on both Many contemporary writings based on traditional narratives that include manifestations of Native peoples struggling against the evil gambler The Diné name for Pueblo Alto is Nihwiilbiih Bikin, or the Home of One Who Always Wins Them Over, referring to the Great Gambler and the Excess Way story. Diné legend relates that at Pueblo Bonito one could trade for anything, pottery, food, ceremonial items, and turquoise. Through gambling, Noqoilpi, the Great Gambler, was able to win all the people’s goods and to eventually enslave them
Gambling in Indian Country ■ Gambling in a traditional cultural context ■ ■ Traditional gambling-often ceremonial or social Sometimes a positive way to redistribute wealth both within and between tribes Sometimes for healing Sometimes a major social event ■ “Captain Jack”-Puyallup and Black River (Duwamish) [Gabriel 1996]
Gambling in Indian Country ■ Commercial gambling ■ ■ ■ Bryan v. Itasca (1976) – Property tax decision opened the door Various tribal communities implemented bingo parlors and other types gambling in the 1970 s and 1980 s, usually unsuccessfully challenged by the states Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA-1988)
Benefits -Significant economic boon for most -Symbolic importance in connecting traditional culture with modern economics -New schools/clinics/infrastructure -Preservation/restoration of culture, including language, ceremonial and sacred artifacts repatriated to the people -Increased political standing
Drawbacks Mostly social in nature -Some tribes continue to debate the appropriateness in their culture of Indian Gaming as a For-Profit Industry -External conflict between tribal communities (those with and those without gaming) -New socioeconomic hierarchies within tribes -Sudden wealth can bring its own challenges -Addiction (disordered gambling)
Stigma
Stigma What do you think of when you think about stigma?
Stigma stig·ma 1. a mark of disgrace associated with a particular circumstance, quality, or person: "the stigma of mental disorder" synonyms: shame · disgrace · dishonor · humiliation · (bad) reputation antonyms: honor · credit 2. (in Christian tradition) marks corresponding to those left on Jesus’ body by the Crucifixion 3. a visible sign or characteristic of a disease. n
Stereotypes
Stereotypes n What do you think of when you think of stereotypes?
Stereotypes n n n ster·e·o·type noun 1. a widely held but fixed and oversimplified image or idea of a particular type of person or thing: "the stereotype of the woman as the carer" synonyms: standard/conventional image, received idea, cliché, hackneyed idea ▪ a person or thing that conforms to a stereotypical image: "don't treat anyone as a stereotype"
Damage Done Video
What are some examples of the effects of stigma or stereotyping that you saw in the video? n On family members or family as a whole n On individuals outside the family n On organizations or institutions
Areas of Need n n n Tribal responsible gaming programs Problem gambling treatment providers (inside and outside of tribal communities) Increased public education and awareness about problem gambling Willingness to engage in discussion about problem gambling and its impacts
Problem Gambling in the Community n Do you know anyone in your family or community who may have a gambling problem? (93 yes, 31 no).
Open Ended Questions n Has gambling ever caused conflicts with family members or friends? (59 yes, 66 no) n n n n Anxiety and depression due to the excessive nature of gambling; stress due to financial strain Asking for money to gamble Stealing/embezzlement When my husband gets angry because he loses Time spent away from family, using money that was for something else They borrow and never pay back Lying My dad gambled most of my childhood. He either had loads of money, or none at all but always left us waiting while he gambled for hours
Open Ended Questions n Do you feel excessive gambling is a problem in your community? Why? (55 no, 61 yes) n n n People with big gambling addictions steal, lie and cheat because of gambling losing $ for household needs; family borrowing $ A lot of families just have enough to survive financially in our community and when they gamble that balance is lost Kids go hungry Families are torn apart because of financial stress Elders spend time at the casino rather then with family. Lose out on traditional teaching, which affects the community
Open Ended Questions n Would you or your family be willing to participate in counseling to address a gambling problem (65 no, 56 yes) Why or why not? n YES n NO n n n n n To help another Yes, to help a family member but I don’t know if they would go. Gambling is a spirit that talks in your ear so you can’t hear your heart Not a problem in my family I think that’s something they need to work out on their own Because one person can’t help the other if that person doesn’t want help My family doesn’t like to ask for help I have my own family now and no longer have to deal with my mother’s addiction My entertainment I’m not a gambler. I hate gambling. I only go to spend time with my mom. We never have, on any problem.
Open Ended Questions n NO If assistance is not available in your community, would you seek help for yourself or a loved one outside your community? (Gamblers Anonymous, Intensive Outpatient Programs, 1 -on-1 therapy) (35 no, 83 yes) Why or why not? n n n n Embarrassed Not my business I don’t have a problem---they need to look out for themselves Because it wouldn’t work. They would deny and refuse to go. Too far to go outside the community. It’s a possession. It’s a ghost. It’ll probably cost too much to get there.
Barriers to discussion and research
Barriers to discussion and research n Perceived threat to economic boon
Barriers to discussion and research n Perceived threat to economic boon n Stigma – individual/tribal/corporate
Barriers to discussion and research n Perceived threat to economic boon n Stigma – individual/tribal/corporate n Other issues seen as being of greater importance
Barriers to discussion and research n Perceived threat to economic boon n Stigma – individual/tribal/corporate n Other issues seen as being of greater importance n Rocky history with academic research community
How Can the Barriers Be Broken? n Approach to gathering and disseminating information that is non-threatening n n n No judgment about gambling itself or the person who chooses to gamble Anonymous or confidential in nature Be candid about the potential negative consequences of problem gambling on individuals/families/industry/communities, and the benefit conveyed on all of these through the availability of treatment
How Can the Barriers Be Broken? n n n Build relationships with state councils on problem gambling, providers, to help improve overall services Incorporate storytelling into public outreach and awareness activities Encourage integration of traditional healing methods into treatment programs Encourage a collaborative effort between the tribes---sharing of best practices ”Have the Conversation”
Q&A/Discussion
Bibliography Carder S. F. , The Development of a Gaming Enterprise for the Navajo Nation. The American Indian Quarterly 40(4): 295 -332. Gabriel, K. (1996). Gambler Way: Indian Gaming in Mythology, History, and Archaeology in North America. Boulder, CO: Johnson Books. Lane, A. I. , Sr. , (1995). Return of the Buffalo. Westport, CT: Bergin & Garvey. National Indian Gaming Association. 2009 Economic Impact Report. Pasquaretta, P. (2003). Gambling and Survival in Native North America. Tucson: University of Arizona Press. Taylor, J. B. (2015). The Economic Impact of Tribal Gaming in Arizona, 2014. Study produced for the Arizona Indian Gaming Association.
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