The tribe is primarily located on the Puyallup Indian Reservation, although they also control off-reservation trust lands.

The laws of the Puyallup Tribe defined the authority of the courts as separate and equal to the Tribal Council.

[4] The primary governing body of the Puyallup Tribe is the Tribal Council (Twulshootseed: sk̓ʷapad ʔə tiiɫ siʔiʔab, lit.

They remained deeply involved in fishing, which constituted such an important part of their culture that it is surrounded by ritual and spirituality.

They could sell them at a lower price and tax-free to non-Natives, as their reservation is sovereign territory and they need not pay state taxes from their businesses.

[citation needed] Since the late 20th century, numerous states have used gambling, based on lotteries and other methods, as a source of revenue to support programs wanted by taxpayers.

In 2004, as part of an agreement with the Port to accommodate further commercial development of the waterway, the tribe closed the operation on the boat and its shore-side property.

The unused Emerald Queen riverboat remained docked in Tacoma until 2023, when it was sold to a barge operator based in Seattle.

[6] The tribe has developed related gaming and entertainment facilities in two other locations, keeping the name Emerald Queen Casino for its overall operation.

In the 21st century, a majority of the tribe's income is generated from the gambling casinos and related restaurant, retail and hotel facilities.

The Tacoma location, includes the casino, a restaurant and buffet and an entertainment venue hosting singers and comedians.

[7] A majority of the casino is located in a new 310,000 sq ft multi-level structure, which opened in June 2020; also includes a hotel and parking garage.

The tribe undertook a major expansion in summer 2007, building two parking garages, a pool, a spa, new administrative towers, a ballroom, and a larger gaming area.

The casino's restaurant, formerly named the Pacific Rim, was moved to the south tower and renamed the Tatoosh Grill.

[10] The Puyallup Tribe has used its economic development branch, Marine View Ventures, to expand into operating several gas stations on the reservation.

In the early 21st century, it was using gambling revenues to invest in a partnership for a large container facility at the Port of Tacoma.

[citation needed] From the mid-nineteenth century, European Americans began to enter the area in greater numbers.

Under the 1854 Treaty of Medicine Creek, The United States arranged with the Puyallup and several other tribes the cession of land to the U.S. and the removal of the Native population to reservations.