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Tim Giago: Casinos create culture of 'us' and 'them'
Wednesday, June 30, 2004
"The euphoria of Indian casinos has begun to diminish after nearly 17 years. The problems encountered were not those projected by the naysayers. Organized crime did not gain a foothold in Indian country as was predicted by state governments, nor did overall criminal acts jump in huge numbers.
What has happened is that there is a new culture arising in Indian country. It is a culture that has existed in Las Vegas and in New Jersey since gaming became a legalized business. And now, it is spreading across America.
When I worked in Harrah's Club in Reno, Nev., many years ago, I was a part of that culture. It is one that views customers as 'them' and the casino workers as 'us.' We (the casino workers) learned to strongly distrust 'them.'"
Get the Story:
Tim Giago: New gaming culture rises in Indian country
(The Grand Forks Herald 6/30)
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