News Health & Medicine

Casinos may reduce poverty, obesity in Native American communities

Modest reduction in overweight youth seen after addition of slot machines

GOOD BET?  Income gains from a new or expanded casino might go hand in hand with improved body weight in Native American children, a study finds.

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By Nathan Seppa

- More than 2 years ago

Building a new casino on American Indian tribal land, or expanding an existing one, coincides with higher income and slightly lower rates of being overweight or obese in Native American children living nearby, researchers report in the March 5 JAMA.