US Tribal Gaming Revenue Just Shy of $42 Billion for FY2023

The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has released the gross gaming revenue numbers for the fiscal year 2023, reporting a total revenue of $41.9 billion. This represents an increase of $1 billion or 2.4% from the $40.9 billion reported in fiscal year 2022. Notably, all eight NIGC regions exhibited growth in gaming revenue compared to the previous year.

Leadership Statements and Industry Strength

Acting Chairwoman Sharon Avery and Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland made the announcement during the Wisconsin Gaming Regulators Association Summer Conference in Green Bay. The leaders emphasized tribal gaming's ongoing viability, particularly its adaptability to technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences.

Sharon Avery underscored the importance of a robust regulatory framework and the diversity within tribal-gaming enterprises as key factors contributing to industry growth. Avery also commended the ingenuity and resilience of tribal-gaming operators and regulators in ensuring economic sustainability within tribal communities.

Similarly, Jeannie Hovland praised industry regulators, operators, and tribal leadership for their ability to overcome challenges in a highly competitive market, highlighting the benefits derived from tribal gaming expertise.

Scope of the Report

The NIGC's report compiles gaming revenues from audited financial statements of 527 gaming operations managed by 245 tribes across 29 states. According to NIGC regulations, each tribe is required to submit financial statements for Class II and Class III gaming operations on their lands for each fiscal year.

Regional Revenue Breakdown

Breaking down the regional revenue figures:

• Sacramento Region (California and northern Nevada, 87 operations): $11.8 billion, up 1.8% from $11.7 billion

• D.C. Region (New York, Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, 44 operations): $9.19 billion, up 2.4% from $8.97 billion

• St. Paul Region (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, Indiana, 95 operations): $5.08 billion, up 2.8% from $4.95 billion

• Portland Region (Washington, Oregon, Idaho, 53 operations): $4.5 billion, up 1.1% from $4.48 billion

• Phoenix Region (Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, southern Nevada, 54 operations): $3.92 billion, up 5.5% from $3.72 billion

• Tulsa Region (eastern Oklahoma, Kansas, 74 operations): $3.56 billion, up 2% from $3.48 billion

• Oklahoma City Region (western Oklahoma, Texas, 75 operations): $3.21 billion, up 2.1% from $3.14 billion

• Rapid City Region (North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Montana, 45 operations): $425.8 million, up 4.9% from $406.1 million

Revenue Distribution Across Operations

Analyzing the distribution of revenue, it was noted that:

• 9% of operations recorded revenues of $250 million or higher, accounting for 55% of the total revenue

• 11% of operations earned between $100 million and $250 million, making up 24% of the total

• 11% of operations earned between $50 million and $100 million, contributing 10% of the total revenue

Additional details show that:

• 14% of operations recorded earnings between $25 million and $50 million, comprising 6% of the total

• 55% of operations earned less than $25 million, collectively contributing 5% of the total revenue

Key Insights

The report underscores the consistent growth and resilience of tribal gaming enterprises nationwide, highlighting their capacity to adapt to changing market conditions and sustain economic contributions to tribal communities.

Key takeaways from the data include:

• Uniform growth across all eight NIGC regions

• Strong performance in high-revenue operations driving over half of total earnings

• Continued resilience supported by effective regulation and tribal leadership

In conclusion, the NIGC’s 2023 report reflects a thriving and adaptable tribal gaming sector, demonstrating both economic strength and the enduring importance of tribal enterprises to community development across the United States.