For almost 200 years, the Seminole Tribe's struggle was simply to survive. Chased by 19th century soldiers into Florida's interior, the Indians battled inhospitable wetlands, poverty, and governmental neglect to gain independence and sovereignty. Now, thanks to casino gambling, the tribe has grown rich. Health care is free, college tuition is covered, and each of the tribe's more than 3,300 members — from infants to seniors — receives monthly dividend checks that add up to about $120,000 a year. The struggle now, say many Seminole leaders, is how to meld the tribe's exploding prosperity into a life that values and preserves their culture.

Dividends get a lot of press, but its important to note that <10% of tribes with casinos give dividends. The main benefit of tribal gaming is to fund tribal governments to provide basic services on the reservation, and through employment (both at the casino and in tribe backed businesses).

A centuries-old struggle for tribal survival has become new challenge in a new century: How to survive success? -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com