Jerry--I had to do some research at one time also. The first LEGAL Indian Casino opened in 1987. It all began when the U.S. Supreme Court handed down a decision recognizing Native American Tribes' right to own and operate gambling enterprises on reservations. (California v. Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, 480 US 202 [1987]). It became law on Oct. 17, 1988, with the passage in the U.S. Congress of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. Fantasy Springs Casino, operated by this Cabazon Band of Mission Indians, opened in 1987 as "Bingo Palace" and reopened in 1994 as Fantasy Springs Casino in Indio, California.