NIGC Reports Record $41.9 Billion in FY2023 Gaming Revenue

WASHINGTON, D.C., July 2, 2024 — The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has announced a historic gross gaming revenue (GGR) of $41.9 billion for fiscal year 2023, marking the highest revenue ever recorded for Indian gaming. This represents a $1 billion increase over the previous year’s total of $40.9 billion, reflecting a growth rate of 2.4%.

Jeannie Hovland, Vice Chair of the NIGC, attributed this achievement to the resilience and dedication of tribal gaming operations amid a competitive market landscape. “I congratulate the industry regulators, operators, and tribal leadership on another successful year. Their hard work in meeting and overcoming the challenges presented by an increasingly competitive market is evidence that tribes are resilient, and their gaming expertise is yielding benefits for their nations as IGRA intended,” said Hovland in the Commission's announcement.

Revenue Distribution and Growth by Region

The NIGC report, based on data from 527 gaming operations managed by 245 tribes across 29 states, provides a detailed breakdown of the revenue contributions by region:

• Portland Region: 53 gaming operations contributed approximately $4.53 billion, a 1.1% increase from the previous year.
• Sacramento Region: 87 operations generated around $11.97 billion, up by 1.8%.
• Phoenix Region: 54 operations reported $3.93 billion, reflecting a significant 5.5% rise.
• St. Paul Region: 95 operations saw revenue of about $5.09 billion, an increase of 2.8%.
• Rapid City Region: 45 operations contributed $425.9 million, up by 4.9%.
• Tulsa Region: 74 operations recorded $3.56 billion, marking a 2.0% increase.
• Oklahoma City Region: 75 operations generated $3.22 billion, reflecting a 2.1% rise.
• Washington, D.C. Region: 44 operations contributed approximately $9.19 billion, a 2.4% increase.

Factors Driving Growth

This historic revenue growth is attributed to advancements in technology and the adoption of adaptive regulatory frameworks, which have bolstered gaming operations across the regions. Sharon M. Avery, acting chairwoman, highlighted these improvements during the Wisconsin Gaming Regulators Association Summer Conference in Green Bay, Wisconsin.

“This year’s GGR results demonstrate how a strong regulatory framework and diversity of tribal gaming enterprises generate growth in the gaming industry. Again, this year, tribal gaming operators and regulators have proven that their ingenuity and tenacity are catalysts for growth, even in the face of an ever-changing gaming landscape,” Avery noted.

“The National Indian Gaming Commission reported a record-breaking gross gaming revenue of $41.9 billion for fiscal year 2023, representing a $1 billion increase and a 2.4% growth over the previous year's $40.9 billion.”

Future Prospects and Technological Innovations

The Commission noted that the industry’s rebound from the economic impacts of COVID-19, which caused significant declines in FY2020, has been driven by strategic expansions, facility renovations, and adjustments in regulatory practices. Tribal gaming operators continue to innovate to meet evolving consumer preferences, positioning the sector for sustained growth.

Additionally, the U.S. Supreme Court's recent ruling on the Seminole Tribe in Florida may open new opportunities for other tribes to engage in online gaming, potentially expanding the digital gaming landscape and providing additional revenue streams.

Established in 1988 under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA), the NIGC's mission is to regulate and support gaming activities on Indian lands, ensuring that the revenues generated contribute to the communities they serve. The Commission also ensures the suitability of individuals and entities involved in Indian gaming, fostering integrity and compliance.