While games of chance have been part of the Aboriginal cultural landscape since before European contact, large-scale commercial gaming facilities within First Nations communities are a relatively new phenomenon in Canada. First Nations Gaming in Canada is the first multidisciplinary study of the role of gaming in indigenous communities north of the 49th parallel. Bringing together some of Canada’s leading gambling researchers, the book examines the history of Aboriginal gaming and its role in indigenous political economy, the rise of large-scale casinos and cybergaming, the socio-ecological impact of problem gambling, and the challenges of labour unions and financial management. The authors also call attention to the dearth of socio-economic impact studies of gambling in First Nations communities while providing models to address this growing issue of concern.

Yale D. Belanger is associate professor, Native American Studies, and adjunct associate professor, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Lethbridge.P. Whitney Lackenbauer is associate professor and chair of history at St Jerome's University in the University of Waterloo.

Yale D. Belanger's profile page

“First Nations gaming is no longer a new phenomenon; however, academic analyses are still in a stage of infancy. With the innovative nature of this book, the foundation is now firmly in place to reconsider old assumptions, ask new questions, and stimulate additional research."

CHOICE Magazine

“First Nations Gaming in Canada is a useful and informative book that provides background on the historical, cultural, social, economic and regulatory development of First Nations games and gambling. This is a valuable reference book and a very useful guide to further literature.”

International Gambling Studies