Tribal casinos in the United States achieved a record gross gaming revenue (GGR) of $46.2 billion in fiscal year 2025, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. This data was detailed in an annual report released on Tuesday by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC). The report reflects the performance of 545 gaming facilities operated by approximately 250 tribes across 29 states. With this latest achievement, Indian gaming has consistently set GGR records each fiscal year since 2011, except for 2020, when revenue was impacted by the Covid pandemic.
NIGC Vice Chair Billy Kirkland emphasized the importance of Indian gaming to tribal economies, stating, "Indian gaming is an important contributor to tribal economies that empowers sovereign tribal governments to invest in their communities and provide their citizens with essential services." Kirkland noted that the Trump administration is committed to working with tribal leaders to sustain these advantages for future generations.
The NIGC serves as the sole federal body focused on tribal gaming oversight but has faced challenges recently. The commission has operated without a confirmed chair since February 2024, when former chairman Sequoyah Simermeyer resigned to join FanDuel. Sharon Avery served as the interim chair but returned to her associate role in January. Kirkland was sworn in as vice chair after Jeannie Hovland's departure in April, while President Donald Trump has yet to nominate a new chair since his inauguration in January 2025. This leadership void has raised concerns about the NIGC's effectiveness, especially after the commission closed seven regional offices last November.
Avery stated, "These GGR results reflect the continued commitment of tribal regulators and operators to responsible growth and community benefit."
In terms of regional performance, seven out of the eight areas monitored by the NIGC reported year-over-year increases in GGR for FY25. The only exception was the "Rapid City" region, encompassing South Dakota and neighboring areas, which experienced a decline of less than 1%, amounting to $439.8 million.
The "Sacramento" region, which includes California and northern Nevada, remained the top performer, with a GGR of $12.6 billion, reflecting a 4% rise from last year. In comparison, the Las Vegas Strip recorded a GGR of $5.5 billion during the same period. The second-best region was "Washington, DC," which represents most of the East Coast from Florida to New York, reporting GGR of $11.2 billion and a notable 10% year-over-year increase, the largest of any tracked area.
Oklahoma, a significant hub for tribal gaming, is divided into two regions: "Oklahoma City" and "Tulsa." Each reported a GGR of $3.7 billion, with the former seeing a 3% increase and the latter a 2.5% upswing.
Results from other regions included:
– "St Paul" region (MN, WI, IA, NE, MI, IN): $5.3 billion, +3%
– "Portland" region (OR, WA, ID, AK): $4.9 billion, +5%
– "Phoenix" region (AZ, CO, NM, southern NV): $4.2 billion, +5%
Despite these record numbers, the Indian gaming sector faces significant challenges from emerging prediction markets. Tribal representatives have united against these platforms in lawsuits filed in California, Wisconsin, and New Mexico. They allege violations of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and state gambling agreements. Early estimates suggest that prediction markets may have attracted about 5% of tribal gaming revenue since their rise in late 2024, coinciding with that year’s presidential election. This drop occurred midway through FY25, which still recorded high revenue figures. James Siva, chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, warned that if prediction markets expand further, tribal gaming could suffer a gross revenue loss of up to 25% within a year, equating to significant funding cuts for vital services provided to tribal citizens.
During a House subcommittee hearing on prediction markets, Indian Gaming Association Chairman David Bean criticized the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as an ineffective agency that he claims caters to private interests. He referenced the risks prediction markets pose to youth, stating, "Thanks to a one-person agency, every teenager can now lose their shirt without leaving their dorm room."
