For Immediate Release
Contact: Shawn Pensoneau
(202) 632-7003
2009 Indian Gaming Revenues Remain Stable
Washington, DC June 11, 2010 —Today the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC or Commission) Acting Chairman George T. Skibine released data showing revenues generated by the Indian gaming industry in 2009 totaled $26.5 billion. The total gross gaming revenue (GGR) for 2009 represents both gains and losses for the 233 individual tribes across the U.S. that engage in gaming.
The 2009 GGR is based on the 419 independently audited financial statements submitted by 233 gaming tribes. In 2009, approximately 58% of those operations reported a gaming revenue decrease from their 2008 gaming revenues; however, over half of those showing decreases had reductions of less than 10%. On the other hand, 39% of the operations showed an increase in gaming revenues. Of these operations, approximately
15% showed more than a 50% increase over 2008 numbers primarily due to: (1) casinos that opened during 2008 and recognized the first full-year revenue impact in 2009; and
(2) casino expansions. On average, the gains and losses in the industry evened out. The Commission had reported 2008 gaming revenues of $26.7 billion.
The Commission divides the country into seven regions.
The data shows that most growth in GGR occurred in two regions, the Oklahoma City region which includes 49 gaming operations in western Oklahoma and Texas, and the Portland Region, which includes 49 gaming operations throughout Washington State, Idaho and Oregon.
Gaming revenues represent amounts wagered less prizes paid. Revenue calculations are based on the independent audit reports NIGC receives annually from tribes conducting gaming operations in accordance with IGRA.
Additional charts and graphs are available at the NIGC website, www.nigc.gov.
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The NIGC is an independent regulatory agency established within the Department of the Interior pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.
Download the PDF here.
