Attractions, Entertainment, Recreation, and Other Tourist Draws - Tourism: Principles, Practices, Philosophies - page 181

bingo halls, travel plazas, and pull-tab operations. The IGRA mandates that tribal governments, not
individuals, can have gaming operations. Thus, the entire proceeds of the industry go back to fund
tribal government programs. Indian tribes are using gaming revenues to build houses, schools, roads,
and sewer and water systems; to fund the health care and education of their people; and to develop a
strong, diverse economic base for the future.
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation operates the Foxwoods Resort Casino, Connecticut, which
is the largest casino in the United States. Foxwoods comprises six casinos that offer 6,200 slot
machines and 380 tables for 17 types of table games, and the world s largest bingo hall.

Gaming is available in many parts of the world as well as on cruise ships. Well-known areas for
casino gambling include Monaco, the Caribbean, London, Nice, Macau, and Rio de Janeiro.
As new casinos go up in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, New Orleans, Colorado, the Mississippi River,
South Dakota, Indian reservations, and the Bahamas, one sees the impact of gaming on tourism and
the local economy. Given the current growth in gaming, it is safe to predict that gaming will continue
to play a role in tourism and economic development.

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Gaming Organizations

The American Gaming Association (AGA) was formed in June 1995 after President Bill Clinton
proposed a 4 percent gross receipts tax on the gaming industry. Realizing that this would have
monumental repercussions, casino industry leaders decided that it was time to form an association to
represent them on Capitol Hill. Although the bill did not materialize, the AGA thrived and today has
more than 100 member companies. Since the AGA s opening, when the first 14 members consisted

exclusively of casino companies and gaming equipment manufacturers, the diversity of the associ-
ation's members has expanded to include financial and professional services, suppliers and vendors,
state associations, and publications.
The AGA's primary goal is to create a better understanding of gaming entertainment by bringing
the facts about the industry to the general public, elected of cials, other decision makers, and the
media through education and advocacy. Its Web site is a one-stop resource for information about the
casino entertainment industry. Visit www.americangaming.org .
The National Indian Gaming Association (NIGA) operates as a clearinghouse and educational,
legislative, and public policy resource for tribes, policy makers, and the public on Indian gaming issues
and tribal community development. NIGA has statistics and economic studies on Indian gaming. It is
located in Washington, D.C.; telephone [phone]; fax [phone]; e-mail info@indian
gaming.org; Web site www.indiangaming.org .

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RECREATION

Recreation is a diverse industry, representing more than $400 billion in expenditures each year. The

industry generates millions of jobs in the manufacturing, sales, and service sectors. Nearly 50 percent
of Americans describe themselves as They enjoy a wide variety of activities to keep

fit, to add excitement to their lives, to have fun with family and friends, to pursue solitary activities,
and to experience nature rsthand.
The draw of recreation opportunities throughout the United States is one factor in the rise of
domestic travel, as well as in the increase in international visits to the United States. Outdoor
adventure travel is gaining in popularity, and travel professionals have better access to information on
recreational travel options than they used to. People are seeking higher-quality services and amenities.
Illustrative of the range of businesses within the recreation industry are recreation vehicle (RV)
manufacturers and dealers, boat manufacturers and dealers, full-line recreation product manufactur-
ers, park concessionaires, campground owners, resorts, enthusiast groups, snowmobile manufacturers,
recreation publications, motorcoach operators, bicycling interests, and others.

'' outdoor people. ''