Tribal gaming leaders raised a glass in celebration yesterday (July 31) as the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) announced a new record of US$43.9 billion (£34.2bn) in gross gaming revenue (GGR) for the fiscal year 2024 (FY24).
The NIGC’s latest annual revenue report has revealed that the U.S. Tribal gaming industry has broken new ground, with total GGR reaching an all-time high of US$43.9 billion (£34.2bn). This represents a year-on-year increase of US$2.0 billion (£1.56bn), or 4.6 percent.
The figure–based on independently audited data–reflects the performance of 532 gaming operations owned by 243 federally-recognised Tribes in 29 states. These states were grouped into eight regions: Portland, Sacramento, Phoenix, St. Paul, Rapid City, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Washington D.C.
Comparatively, the commercial–non Tribal gaming sector–which includes revenue from 38 states, generated US$72.04 billion (£56.09bn) in FY24.
Breaking It Down
While all regions recorded year-on-year growth, Oklahoma City (covering Texas and Oklahoma) and Washington D.C. (which includes Louisiana, Mississippi, Alaska, Florida, North Carolina, Connecticut and New York) stood out, both showing double-digit growth with revenue rising by 12.7 and 11.2 percent, respectively.
The Sacramento region (California and Northern Nevada), home to some of the largest Tribal casinos in the United States–including the Yaamava’ Resort & Casino, which boasts over 7,000 slot machines, more than most properties on the Las Vegas Strip–remained the highest-grossing region, generating a total GGR of US$12.1 billion (£9.44bn) across 87 operations.
Trailing behind was the lowest earner, Rapid City (Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming), which contributed just US$400 million (£312m) from 44 operations.
Overall, the majority of GGR–54.4 percent–was generated by just 8.5 percent of Tribes – although the NIGC did not detail revenue generation by individual Tribe.
Resilience And Strength
“This year’s GGR reflects not only the resilience of the tribal gaming industry, but also the dedication of tribal leadership in preserving and growing this important economic driver for their communities,” said NIGC Acting Chair Sharon Avery.
“The continued success of Indian gaming is a testament to the strong tribal governance and the sound regulation that protects the integrity of the industry.”
Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland added: “These revenue numbers demonstrate the positive impacts of tribal gaming and the essential role it plays in supporting tribal sovereignty, job growth, infrastructure, education, and important social, health, and welfare programs in tribal communities, just to name a few.”
“FY 2024 GGR continues to demonstrate the adaptability and innovation that define Indian gaming. With strong tribal governance and collaborative regulation, the industry is well-positioned to meet future challenges and opportunities.”
