The National Indian Gaming Commission has reported the highest gross gaming revenue in Indian gaming history, with figures for the full year of 2018 coming in at $33.7bn.
Released by vice chair Kathryn Isom-Clause and associate commissioner Sequoyah Simermeyer of the NIGC, the FY 2018 number represents a 4.1 per cent increase from the previous year.
As well as reporting the highest revenue in history, unlike previous years all of the NIGC’s administrative regions also experienced positive growth during the period in question.
The Portland Region showed the highest growth, with an 8.2 per cent increase to $3.7bn, followed by Oklahoma City with saw a 7.3 per cent rise as it reached $2.5bn.
“The annual GGR tells a positive story about Indian gaming’s economic success and the industry’s ongoing contribution to a strong economy. It also tells the story of how collaboration among tribes, industry and the regulatory communities can build a strong reputation for reliability and integrity in the GGR calculation,” commented Simermeyer.
Revenues are calculated based on 501 independently audited financial statements, comprised of 241 federally recognised tribes across 29 states. The GGR for an operation is calculated based on the amount wagered minus winnings returned to players.
“The GGR calculation process is an example of the partnership between tribes and the NIGC to ensure effective regulation for a successful tribal gaming industry,” stated Isom-Clause. “These numbers reaffirm the industry’s health as a stable economic driver for Indian Country.”
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act created the National Indian Gaming Commission to support tribal self-sufficiency and the integrity of Indian gaming.
The NIGC has developed four initiatives to support its mission, namely: To protect against anything that amounts to gamesmanship on the backs of tribes, to stay ahead of the technology curve, rural outreach and to maintain a strong workforce within NIGC and with its tribal regulatory partners.
