The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) reported a record total of $41.91 billion in gaming revenue for 2023, an increase of 2.4% or $967.6 million from the previous year. This data reflects the performance of Native American gaming operations located in eight regions: Portland, Sacramento, Phoenix, St Paul, Rapid City, Tulsa, Oklahoma City, and Washington D.C. These regions encompass 527 tribally owned, operated, or licensed establishments across 29 states.
All eight regions experienced an uptick in revenue compared to 2022. Sacramento continued to lead in revenue generation, reporting $11.97 billion, which is a 1.8% increase from the previous year. This region includes California and northern Nevada and features 87 gaming operations, making it the largest contributor to tribal gaming revenue.
Washington D.C. followed in second place with $9.19 billion, marking a 2.4% increase. The Native American operations in this area cover states such as New York, North Carolina, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. St Paul, which includes Michigan, Indiana, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and Nebraska, reported a revenue increase of 2.8% to reach $5.09 billion.
The Phoenix region achieved the highest growth, with a remarkable revenue increase of 5.5%, bringing its total to $2.93 billion. This region serves areas in southern Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado.
A total of 245 tribes across the 29 states are represented in the NIGC data, with each required to submit financial reports for their Class II and Class III gaming operations for each fiscal year.
Sharon Avery, acting chair of the NIGC, emphasized the ingenuity and resilience of tribal gaming operators. "This year’s GGR results demonstrate how a strong regulatory framework and diversity of tribal gaming enterprises generates growth in the gaming industry," she said. Avery highlighted that tribal operators and regulators have shown their adaptability even amid a shifting gaming landscape.
NIGC vice-chair Jeannie Hovland echoed this sentiment, attributing the success of 2023 to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). "I congratulate the industry regulators, operators, and tribal leadership on another successful year," she stated. Hovland noted that the proven expertise of tribes in the gaming sector is beneficial for their communities as envisioned by IGRA.
The NIGC also noted that revenue growth this year is a testament to the sector's adaptability, influenced by technological advancements and changing consumer preferences. Tribal governments and licensed operations are continuously innovating to enhance gaming experiences and support economic sustainability.
The scope of tribal gaming is expanding, especially in Las Vegas, where the Seminole Tribe of Florida has become the first Native American operator on the Strip, acquiring The Mirage property, which will be replaced by a Hard Rock establishment. In Florida, recent developments suggest that tribal influence in sports betting could see significant growth.
On a broader scale, the U.S. Supreme Court recently declined to review a case from West Flagler and Associates concerning digital sports betting in Florida. This decision effectively allows sports betting to continue operating on the premise that bets placed through a server in Florida are considered to be made on tribal lands. The Seminole Tribe launched its Hard Rock Bet platform in November 2023.
This ruling could influence other tribal-led states such as California, Minnesota, and Oklahoma, raising questions about future negotiations for similar compacts. As summarized by industry experts, this development may offer tribes increased negotiating power in the evolving landscape of gaming.
