Gaming income from tribal casinos documented in the year 2024
Record-Breaking Gaming Revenue for Tribal Casinos in 2024
Tribal gaming operations in the United States have reported a significant increase in revenue for the fiscal year 2024, reaching a historic high of $43.9 billion. This figure represents a 4.6% growth or an additional $2 billion compared to the 2023 revenue of $41.9 billion.
Approximately 9% of the operations reported more than $250 million in Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR), accounting for 55% of the total GGR. Conversely, about 54% of tribal gaming facilities reported less than $25 million in revenues, representing a mere 5% of the total GGR share.
The gaming operations are spread across 29 states, owned by 243 federally recognized tribes. The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC), responsible for the regulation of gaming operations on tribal lands, has overseen this growth.
St. Paul, Phoenix, Rapid City, Oklahoma City, Washington D.C., and Portland are among the cities reporting increases in gaming revenue. Oklahoma City experienced a substantial 12.7% growth, while Phoenix and St. Paul saw a 1.9% and 1.6% increase, respectively.
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. According to the Acting Chairwoman of the NIGC, Sharon Avery, this revenue figure reflects the resilience of the tribal gaming industry and the dedication of tribal leadership.
Since 2010, key trends and factors contributing to the growth of tribal gaming revenue include the expansion and increased sophistication of tribal casinos, gaming legalization and Class III casino operations, and the integration of cultural promotion with gaming activities.
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) of 1988 established the legal framework for tribal gaming. Since 2010, many tribes have negotiated new compacts with states to expand Class III gaming, increasing revenue opportunities.
Tribes have leveraged gaming revenue to promote economic self-sufficiency, tribal government funding, and community services, motivating continual reinvestment in gaming operations. Gaming enterprises often incorporate and promote Native culture and heritage, which not only supports tribal identity but also attracts visitors interested in authentic experiences alongside gaming.
Increased consumer demand for gaming entertainment and tribal casinos’ strategic location near urban centers and tourist destinations have contributed to higher foot traffic and revenue. Since the aftermath of the Great Recession in 2010, tribal gaming revenue has risen every year, with the exception of the pandemic in the 2020 fiscal year.
The revenue data is calculated from independently audited financial statements from 532 independently audited gaming operations owned by 243 federally recognized tribes across 29 states. The NIGC will continue to monitor and regulate this growing industry to ensure its continued success and the protection of the public interest.
In light of the record-breaking $43.9 billion gaming revenue reported by Tribal Casinos in 2024, the integration of finance and gaming industries has played a significant role in this growth. This success has allowed various tribal communities to exploit revenue opportunities for economic self-sufficiency and reinvestment in gaming operations.
