In fiscal year 2025, US tribal casinos achieved a notable milestone, recording $46.2 billion in gross gaming revenue (GGR), marking a 5% increase from the previous year. This surge is highlighted in an annual report released on Tuesday by the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC).
The report reflects the performance of 545 casinos operated by approximately 250 tribes across 29 states. Since 2011, Indian gaming has consistently set GGR records each fiscal year, with the exception of 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted operations.
NIGC Vice Chair Billy Kirkland emphasized the significance of Indian gaming, 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 also noted the administration's collaboration with tribal leaders to ensure the ongoing benefits of gaming.
Despite the positive revenue figures, challenges loom for the NIGC. The commission has lacked a confirmed chair and a complete three-member roster since February 2024, when former chairman Sequoyah Simermeyer departed for a position at FanDuel. Acting Chair Sharon Avery transitioned back to an associate role in January, leaving Kirkland as the new vice chair. Since Donald Trump assumed the presidency in January 2025, a new chair has yet to be nominated, raising concerns about the commission’s effectiveness. Compounding these worries, the NIGC closed seven regional offices across the U.S. last November.
Avery remarked on the GGR results, stating, "These GGR results reflect the continued commitment of tribal regulators and operators to responsible growth and community benefit."
When analyzing growth by region, seven of the eight areas monitored by the NIGC reported year-over-year increases in FY25. The only region with a decline was "Rapid City"—which serves the Dakotas and nearby areas—with a fractional drop of less than 1%, totaling $439.8 million.
The "Sacramento" region, which includes California and northern Nevada, topped the list with an impressive $12.6 billion in GGR, a 4% increase compared to the previous year. For context, the Las Vegas Strip's GGR for the same period amounted to $5.5 billion.
Following closely was the "Washington, DC" region, covering most of the East Coast from Florida to North Carolina and New York, which achieved a GGR of $11.2 billion, signifying a 10% year-over-year increase, the largest growth among the regions monitored.
Oklahoma, a significant hub for tribal gaming, is divided into two regions. The "Oklahoma City" region, which includes western Oklahoma and Texas, recorded $3.7 billion, a 3% rise from the prior year, while the "Tulsa" region, covering eastern Oklahoma and Kansas, also reported $3.7 billion, reflecting a 2.5% increase.
Other regional results included: the "St Paul" region (Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan, Indiana) at $5.3 billion (+3%), the "Portland" region (Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska) at $4.9 billion (+5%), and the "Phoenix" region (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, southern Nevada) at $4.2 billion (+5%).
Despite the positive growth trend, Indian Country faces critical challenges, particularly with the emergence of prediction markets. Many gaming tribes across the U.S. have come together to oppose these platforms, even turning to the courts for resolution.
California, Wisconsin, and New Mexico tribes have filed lawsuits against operators of prediction markets, claiming violations of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and state gambling agreements. Leaders express concern over the potential impact of these markets on tribal revenue, with James Siva, chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, estimating a possible 5% revenue decrease due to these platforms since they began gaining traction during the 2024 presidential election.
Looking ahead, Siva cautioned that unchecked expansion of prediction markets could lead to a substantial revenue loss of up to 25% in the coming year. "Put it in congressional numbers, that’s the equivalent of defunding the BIA, the Bureau of Indian Education, and Indian Health Services," he stated.
In a recent House subcommittee hearing regarding prediction markets, Indian Gaming Association Chairman David Bean criticized the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as a "one-person agency" that seems to favor private interests. Bean commented on the ramifications of this structure, stating, "Thanks to a one-person agency, every teenager can now lose their shirt without leaving their dorm room."
