In Arizona, quarterly contributions from Native American-operated casinos increased for the second quarter, generating nearly $27 million for the state’s coffers.

According to a recent news release from the Arizona Department of Gaming (pdf)…

Statewide tribal contributions for the quarter ending September 30, 2018, were reported at approximately $26.9 million, a two percent increase from the same time last year.

“Pleased to see continued growth”

Director of the state agency charged with the regulation of tribal gaming, pari-mutuel racing and wagering, and boxing and mixed martial arts [Arizona Department of Gaming], Daniel Bergin (pictured) said…

“We are pleased to see continued growth in tribal gaming contributions for the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2019. This seventh consecutive quarter of growth is a strong reflection of our State’s healthy economy.”

Distribution of tribal contributions:

According to the report released on Friday, the Arizona Department of Gaming will distribute quarterly tribal contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund as follows:

  • Instructional Improvement Fund/Education …………………………………………………….$13,395,669
  • Trauma and Emergency Services Fund……………………………………………………………….$6,697,835
  • Arizona Department of Gaming operating costs ……………………………………………..$2,418,961
  • Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund ……………………………………………………………………$1,913,667
  • State Tourism Fund ………………………………………………………………………………………………..$1,913,667
  • Problem Gambling Education, Treatment and Prevention ……………………………. $537,547

Making the total tribal gaming contributions for the quarter ending September 30, 2018, $26,877,346.

Under the terms of the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, Native American tribes with gaming establishments contribute between 1 and 8 percent of their Class III gross gaming generated revenue to counties, towns, cities and the state.

Operating tribal casinos:

Currently, in Arizona 16 Native American tribes operate 23 Class III casinos on reservation territories, with an additional five tribes having transfer licenses enabling them to lease slot machines -via transfer agreements- to tribes possessing casinos.

In other Arizona news, in September this year, the federally-recognized Tohono O’odham Nation received official approval to take into trust 81 acres of land adjacent to its coming Desert Diamond West Valley Casino in Maricopa County. That, in addition to a 54-acre plot secured by the tribe approximately eight years ago.