Arizona Tribal Gaming Contributions Grow 3.6% Year-on-Year

The Arizona Department of Gaming has released information on tribal gaming contributions for Q1 of FY 2025, revealing more than $43.9 million in contributions. This figure is a 3.6% increase from Q1 of 2024 when tribal gaming contributions hit over $42 million. The Q1 for FY 2025 also marked an increase from the $43.5 million in Q4 of 2024.

Commenting on the contributions, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming, Jackie Johnson, said:

“We are pleased to report yet another increase in the first quarter of the FY 2025, reflecting steady growth in the state’s tribal gaming industry. This growth highlights the continued strength of the partnership between the state and our Arizona tribal partners. Notably, cumulative tribal contributions to the Instructional Improvement Fund have now surpassed $1 billion, demonstrating the significant and ongoing impact of tribal gaming on education and communities across Arizona.”

Instructional Improvement Fund/Education Still the Biggest Beneficiary

The percentages of tribal gaming contributions of the various funds they finance are predetermined, so all of these figures jump by 3.6% when comparing Q1 of 2025 to Q1 of 2024. The Instructional Improvement Fund/Education still receives the most backing, collecting nearly half of the contributions.

Other funds that receive benefits from tribal gaming contributions include the Trauma and Emergency Services Fund, Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund, Tourism Fund, and Problem Gambling Education and Treatment. Additionally, the Arizona Department of Gaming keeps some of the contributions to cover costs.

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Tribal casinos are also required to contribute a percentage of Class II gaming revenue to local cities, towns, and counties, and this data is not included in the figures above. According to the Arizona Department of Gaming, casinos have contributed $2.4 billion to towns, cities, and counties since the beginning of FY 2004.

Arizona Tribal Gaming Contributions Look Set to Keep Rising

The figures released by the Arizona Department of Gaming show an increase in tribal gaming contributions compared to Q1 and Q4 of 2024. This suggests that these numbers may keep increasing in the future, especially with another tribal casino expected to launch in Arizona later in 2024.

The Chief Executive Officer for the Tohono O’odham Gaming Enterprise (the tribe behind the new casino project) revealed plans for further upgrades to the facility once it opens, including a hotel and a conference center. These could help increase gaming revenues and add more to future contributions. 

Additionally, a report from the National Indian Gaming Commission revealed that US-wide tribal gaming increased by 2.4%, hitting a new record, suggesting a high appetite for tribal gaming across the US.