This article presents a review which embodies a general inquiry about the growth of the Native American gaming industry and possibilities the future may hold for America's indigenous people. Tribal gaming is different from other forms of gaming. It is conducted by Native American governments as a way to carry out their natural self-governing rights as independent nations. In 1995, prior to the explosive development of Native American gaming, some tribal leaders were cautious, even skeptical about the impact such development would have on the Indian community. Most leaders had expressed both professional and personal concerns about the impact that gaming expansion would have on the quality of life for tribal members. By 2000 the fears of negative effects on the Indian way of life were no longer as apparent. Tribal leaders became more positive about the addition of gaming to the community. By 2001 gaming had become one fastest-growing sectors of the U.S. tourism industry, with $63.3 billion wagered in casinos, lotteries, race tracks, and bingo halls. Besides experiencing major positive social impacts, some tribes with gaming have experienced modest positive socioeconomic impacts. However, despite the gains made by tribal governments for the indigenous families since the beginning of Indian gaming, the challenges to health, welfare, and hope in Indian Country remain profound. (Contains 2 figures, 6 tables and 78 notes.)