In fiscal year 2025, tribal casinos in the United States achieved a remarkable gross gaming revenue (GGR) of $46.2 billion, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. This information is presented in the National Indian Gaming Commission's (NIGC) latest annual report, released on Tuesday.
The NIGC's report encapsulated the performance of 545 gaming facilities operated by approximately 250 tribes across 29 states. This latest achievement contributes to a trend where Indian gaming has broken GGR records in every fiscal year since 2011, with the exception of 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted operations.
Billy Kirkland, Vice Chair of the NIGC, highlighted the significance of Indian gaming, noting that it plays a critical role in enhancing tribal economies and empowering sovereign tribal governments to invest in their communities and provide essential services. The Trump Administration expressed its commitment to collaborating with tribal leaders to preserve these benefits for future generations.
While several federal agencies oversee Indian affairs, the NIGC is the only organization focused solely on tribal gaming. However, the commission has faced its share of challenges, lacking a confirmed chair and a full three-member roster since February 2024 when then-chairman Sequoyah Simermeyer departed for a role at FanDuel. After serving as acting chair, Commissioner Sharon Avery returned to her associate role in January, while Kirkland succeeded former vice chair Jeannie Hovland, who exited in April. As of now, President Donald Trump has not nominated a new NIGC chair since taking office in January 2025, prompting concerns about the commission's effectiveness following the closure of seven regional offices last November.
Avery remarked that the GGR results reflect the ongoing dedication of tribal regulators and operators to achieving responsible growth and community-focused benefits.
Analyzing the geographical breakdown, seven of the eight regions monitored by the NIGC reported year-over-year increases in FY25. The only exception was the "Rapid City" region, covering the Dakotas and surrounding areas, which saw a decline of less than 1%, tallying $439.8 million. The "Sacramento" region, encompassing California and northern Nevada, led the results with a staggering GGR of $12.6 billion, up 4% from the previous year. For perspective, the Las Vegas Strip's GGR was $5.5 billion during the same timeframe.
The "Washington, D.C." region, which stretches along much of the East Coast from Florida to North Carolina and New York, was the second strongest performer, generating $11.2 billion and experiencing a 10% year-over-year increase, the most significant rise among all tracked regions.
Oklahoma, categorized by the NIGC into the "Oklahoma City" and "Tulsa" regions, reported GGRs of $3.7 billion, with increases of 3% and 2.5%, respectively.
Other revenue figures include the "St. Paul" region (Maine, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Michigan, Indiana) at $5.3 billion, a 3% increase; the "Portland" region (Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Alaska) with $4.9 billion, up 5%; and the "Phoenix" region (Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, southern Nevada) generating $4.2 billion, also up 5%.
Despite the fiscal year showing growth for Indian Country, there is rising concern regarding the emergence of prediction markets. Tribes from various states, including California, Wisconsin, and New Mexico, have united in opposition to these platforms, leading to legal actions against operators for purported violations of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act and respective state gambling compacts. While the impact of prediction markets on tribal gaming revenues has yet to be definitively seen, industry leaders warn of potential future declines.
James Siva, chairman of the California Nations Indian Gaming Association, indicated that he believes prediction markets have already diverted about 5% of tribal gaming revenues since their inception during the late 2024 presidential election cycle. Despite FY25 ending with a record GGR, he cautioned that continued expansion of prediction markets could lead to significant losses for tribal gaming.
"If they are [allowed] to expand, we’re talking maybe we have a 25% gross gaming revenue loss within the next year," Siva stated. "In Congressional terms, that’s equivalent to defunding the BIA, the Bureau of Indian Education, and Indian Health Services. That’s how much revenue we all use to improve the lives of our citizens that is potentially leaving Indian country."
Additionally, at a recent House committee hearing, Indian Gaming Association Chairman David Bean criticized the Commodity Futures Trading Commission, labeling it a "one-person agency" influenced by private interests. "Thanks to a one-person agency, every teenager can now lose their shirt without leaving their dorm room," Bean told lawmakers.
