After a record-breaking revenue of 41,91bn dollars in 2023, the acting chairperson of the National Indian Gaming Commission praised the “ingenuity and tenacity of Native American gambling operators.
The figure for 2023 was $967.6m or 2.4% higher than that of the previous year, which came in at $40.94bn. The data covers Native American gambling operations in eight different regions, including Portland, Sacramento and Phoenix. This data covers 527 tribally-owned, operated or licenced establishments in 29 states.
In 2023, all eight regions saw growth year-over-year. Sacramento remained to be the main source of NIGC revenues, with $11,97bn. This is an increase of 1.8% over 2022. Sacramento covers California and north Nevada.
DC came in second place with $9.19bn (up 2.4%). Native American operations include New York and North Carolina as well as Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Mississippi, Louisiana, New York and North Carolina. St Paul, which covers Michigan, Indiana Minnesota Wisconsin Iowa and Nebraska, saw revenues rise by 2.8%, to $5.09bn.
Phoenix was named the top-growing region in 2023. Revenue for the year increased 5.5%, to $2.93bn. The region encompasses southern Nevada, Arizona and New Mexico.
There are 245 tribal groups in 29 different states. Each tribe is required to provide figures for the financial activity of every class II or class III gambling operation located on its lands. This must be done each year.
NIGC praises the “ingenuity and tenacity of tribal gaming operators
In addition to being a record-breaking year for the NIGC in 2023, this was the third year running that GGR has grown. Had it not been the drop in GGR in 2020, the year of pandemic, revenue would have increased in every year from 2010 to the present.
The revenue has more than doubled from 2004 when it was $18.5bn.
Sharon Avery, acting chair of the NIGC said: “The GGR for this year shows how a diverse range tribal gaming businesses and a robust regulatory framework generate growth within the gaming industry.”
This year tribal gaming regulators and operators have once again proven their tenacity and ingenuity as catalysts for growth in a gaming environment that is constantly changing. The steadfastness of tribal gaming operators and regulators will help ensure the economic sustainability of tribal communities.
The performance of vice-chair Jeannie HOVLAND in 2023 was a testament to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act.
She said, “I would like to congratulate industry regulators and operators on another successful fiscal year.” Their hard work to overcome the challenges of an ever-increasingly competitive market shows that tribal nations are resilient, and their gaming knowledge is benefiting their nation as IGRA intended.
The technology sector will be a major driver for growth in 2023
The NIGC said that revenue growth not only reflected the viability and adaptability of tribal gaming, but also its ability to grow.
The company continued to adjust to changes in technology and consumer tastes. The tribal governments, as well as the licensed operations that they oversee, continue to find new and innovative methods to grow and provide world-class experiences in order to create sustainable economies.
Are tribes now the sports betting leaders?
The Seminole Tribe is the first Native American gaming operator in Las Vegas after purchasing The Mirage. The Mirage will be replaced by a Hard Rock hotel.
The expansion of gaming in Florida is likely to be influenced by tribal influences.
The US Supreme Court denied certiorari last week in the Florida Sports Betting Case filed by West Flagler and Associates.
The decision effectively means that digital sports betting will remain available in Florida. This is because any bet made in Florida would be considered as being placed on tribe lands if the server was located in Florida. Seminole Tribe launched Hard Rock Bet in November 2023.
What’s next?
This ruling could have ramifications on states with a tribal majority, such as California and Minnesota. Will other states seek to reach similar agreements if the Supreme Court rules in favor of Seminole?
Jill R. Dorson, a professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, explains that this could give tribes more power in negotiations.
