Debbie Nelson’s favorite slot machine at the Nisqually Red Wind Casino is Yogi Bear-themed, complete with spinning picnic baskets and huckleberry pies.

“It keeps me entertained while I’m losing money,” she said. But Nelson also said it eases the pain to know her lost money goes to the Nisqually Tribe.

“To scholarships and to medical care and just to support the families,” she said. “I figure if I’m going to give it to anyone, it needs to go to a worthy cause.”

Gaming revenue has helped lift many tribes above the poverty line all over the country. With casino revenue, tribes including the Nisqually are able to invest in things like health care or internet service, much like other local governments do.