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For Immediate Release    
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NATIONAL INDIAN GAMING COMMISSION ANNOUNCES 2010 INDUSTRY GROSS GAMING REVENUE
Indian Gaming Revenues Remain Stable

Norman, OK - July 18, 2011 - Today, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) announced Indian gaming revenue figures for 2010 during their public Commission meeting at the Chickasaw Nation Riverwind Casino in Norman, Oklahoma. The Commission reported that during 2010, Indian gaming generated gross revenues of $26.5 billion.

The 2010 Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) is based on the 422 independently audited financial statements submitted by 236 gaming tribes. “In this challenging economic climate, tribal gaming remains a stable and reliable tribal economic enterprise that generates jobs and revenues for the betterment of Indian communities”, stated Chairwoman Tracie Stevens.

The table below shows the industries trend over the past 10 years.

The Indian gaming industry primarily consists of tribes generating much needed revenue each year through small and moderate gaming operations. In 2010, 55% of Indian gaming operations reported gaming revenue less than $25 million. Of these operations, approximately 62% generated gaming revenue less than $10 million.

For 2010, 49% of the operations generated an increase in gaming revenues. Of these operations, approximately 10% showed more than a 50% increase over 2009. Factors influencing this increase include: (1) moderate expansions of existing casinos; and (2) casinos that opened during 2009 and recognized the first full-year revenue impact in 2010. Approximately 51% of operations reported a gaming revenue decrease from their 2009 gaming revenues; however, three quarters of these operations experienced decreases of less than 10%. On average, the gains and losses in the industry evened out. The Commission had reported 2009 gaming revenues of $26.5 billion.

The NIGC monitors Indian gaming in seven regions. Figures by Region for 2010.

For both 2009 and 2010, the most growth in GGR occurred in the Oklahoma City Region, which includes 51 gaming operations in western Oklahoma and Texas, and the Portland Region, which includes 50 gaming operations throughout Washington State, Idaho and Oregon.

Revenue trends for 2009 and 2010 indicate that other regions are also gaining momentum.

Revenue calculations are based on the independent audit reports NIGC receives annually from tribes conducting gaming operations in accordance with IGRA. Gaming revenues represent amounts wagered less prizes paid.

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.

 

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