The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) unveiled its fiscal-year 2023 gross gaming revenue numbers on Thursday, revealing $41.9 billion. This represents an increase of $1 billion, or 2.4%, from the previous year’s total of $40.9 billion. All eight NIGC regions saw an uptick in gaming revenue over the last year.

Acting Chairwoman Sharon Avery and Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland shared the announcement at the Wisconsin Gaming Regulators Association Summer Conference in Green Bay. The NIGC highlighted that the 2023 revenue figures underscore the enduring strength of tribal gaming, which continues to evolve alongside technological advancements and shifts in consumer preferences.

“This year’s GGR results demonstrate how a strong regulatory framework and diversity of tribal-gaming enterprises generate growth in the industry,” Avery stated. “Once again, tribal-gaming operators and regulators have shown that their ingenuity and determination are driving forces for growth, even in a constantly changing gaming environment. This resilience will ensure that tribal gaming remains a crucial resource for ongoing economic sustainability in tribal communities.”

Hovland extended her congratulations to industry regulators, operators, and tribal leadership for another prosperous year. “Their dedication in tackling the challenges of an increasingly competitive market is proof of the tribes’ resilience. Their gaming expertise continues to provide significant benefits for their nations, fulfilling the intentions of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA).”

The official NIGC FY 2023 Gross Gaming Revenue Report (pdf) report compiles gaming revenues from the audited financial statements of 527 gaming operations, managed by 245 tribes across 29 states. The NIGC mandates that each tribe submit financial statements detailing all financial activities of each Class II and Class III gaming operation on their lands for each fiscal year.

Sacramento In The Lead

Leading the regions, the Sacramento area—which includes California and northern Nevada—reported $11.8 billion in revenue from 87 operations, up 1.8% from the previous year’s $11.7 billion.

The D.C. region, encompassing New York, Florida, North Carolina, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana with 44 operations, recorded $9.19 billion, marking a 2.4% increase from $8.97 billion.

The St. Paul region, covering Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Michigan, and Indiana with 95 operations, generated $5.08 billion, a 2.8% rise from $4.95 billion.

The Portland region, which includes Washington, Oregon, and Idaho with 53 operations, posted $4.5 billion, a slight increase of 1.1% from $4.48 billion.

The Phoenix region, covering Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and southern Nevada with 54 operations, saw a 5.5% increase, rising from $3.72 billion to $3.92 billion.

The Tulsa region, including eastern Oklahoma and Kansas with 74 operations, reported $3.56 billion, up 2% from $3.48 billion.

The Oklahoma City region, which spans western Oklahoma and Texas with 75 operations, recorded $3.21 billion, a 2.1% increase from $3.14 billion.

The Rapid City region, covering North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, and Montana with 45 operations, saw a 4.9% rise to $425.8 million from $406.1 million.

Approximately 9% of gaming operations reported revenues of $250 million or more, accounting for 55% of the total revenue nationwide. Another 11% earned between $100 million and $250 million, comprising 24% of the overall revenue.

Additionally, 11% of operations fell between $50 million and $100 million, contributing 10% to the total. Meanwhile, 14% generated between $25 million and $50 million, making up 6% of the revenue. Lastly, 55% of operations brought in less than $25 million, collectively representing 5% of the total revenue.

The steady growth in tribal gaming revenue highlights the sector’s resilience and its critical role in supporting economic stability within tribal communities.