Do Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Members Really Receive $1 Million Per Year?

Overview

Adult members of the Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC) have long been reported to receive approximately $84,000 per month-about $1.08 million per year-in per-capita distributions. Multiple independent news outlets and court-related reporting confirm these figures.

What the reporting and records show

MinnPost - August 9, 2012: MinnPost's coverage summarized a New York Times investigation stating that each adult SMSC member receives "around $84,000 per month, or $1.08 million a year," citing court records and confirmation from a tribal member. Source: "Casino profits provide Shakopee Mdewakanton adults $84,000 a month" by Brian Lambert.

New York Times - August 9, 2012: Timothy Williams' article, "$1 Million Each Year for All, as Long as Tribe's Luck Holds," reported that court records and a tribal member confirmed monthly payments of about $84,000. This article is one of the most widely cited sources on SMSC per-capita distributions. Source: The New York Times, published August 9, 2012.

Indianz.com - February 4, 2013: A blog post referencing 2004 divorce court papers reported that adult SMSC members received monthly checks of $84,000, confirming the same annual total of $1.08 million. Source: "Blog: Shakopee Tribe casino per capita comes to $1M a year."

These three independent sources-MinnPost, The New York Times, and Indianz.com-align consistently, each citing court records or interviews confirming the same per-capita payment level.

Why per-capita payments are so high

Major casino operations

SMSC operates Mystic Lake Casino Hotel and Little Six Casino, two of the largest tribal gaming enterprises in the Midwest. Reporting from Indianz.com notes that the tribe's combined enterprises generate an estimated $1 billion per year in revenue.

Small tribal enrollment

The New York Times reported that SMSC has roughly 480 enrolled members, meaning gaming revenue is divided among a very small population.

Tax treatment

Indianz.com notes that per-capita payments to adult members living and working on the reservation are not subject to state income tax, increasing the effective value of distributions.

Economic and social impact within SMSC

The New York Times reported that SMSC has 99.2% voluntary unemployment, as most adult members do not need conventional employment due to substantial per-capita income.

SMSC invests heavily in housing, healthcare, education, and infrastructure, supported by gaming revenue. ICT News documented nearly $29 million in donations in fiscal year 2011 alone, reflecting the tribe's commitment to community development and philanthropy. Source: "Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community: Everyone Is Family," ICT News, April 3, 2012.

Philanthropy and regional influence

SMSC's charitable giving is extensive. A 2013 SMSC press release reported $29 million in grants awarded in FY2012, including major contributions to tribes across the Midwest. Source: "Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Awards $29 Million in Grants in FY12," July 16, 2013.

Patch.com reported in 2013 that SMSC has donated more than $270 million since 1992 and provided over $500 million in loans to other tribes for economic development. Source: "Shakopee Mdewakanton Gives $10 Million to 18 Tribes," June 5, 2013.

Is the $1 million figure still credible?

Across all sourced reporting-from MinnPost, The New York Times, Indianz.com, and court-related summaries-the $84,000 per month figure appears consistently and is supported by court records referenced in multiple articles. No major source has published contradictory figures.

Specific Sources Cited

• MinnPost - "Casino profits provide Shakopee Mdewakanton adults $84,000 a month," August 9, 2012.
• The New York Times - "$1 Million Each Year for All, as Long as Tribe's Luck Holds," Timothy Williams, August 9, 2012.
• Indianz.com - "Blog: Shakopee Tribe casino per capita comes to $1M a year," February 4, 2013.
• ICT News - "Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community: Everyone Is Family," April 3, 2012.
• SMSC Press Release - "Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community Awards $29 Million in Grants in FY12," July 16, 2013.
• Patch.com - "Shakopee Mdewakanton Gives $10 Million to 18 Tribes," June 5, 2013.