- Details
- By Chez Oxendine
- Gaming
Tribal gaming revenues continue their steady climb in fiscal 2025, according to data released by the National Indian Gaming Commission today.
The NIGC reported record gross gaming revenues of $46.2 billion for fiscal year 2025, up 5.3% from the previous year. The figure represents a $2.3 billion year-over-year gain based on audited financial statements submitted by 545 gaming operations owned or operated by 246 tribes in 29 states. It marks the highest annual gross gaming revenue total in the history of Indian gaming. The commission defines gross gaming revenue as the amount wagered minus winnings returned to players.
Seven of the National Indian Gaming Commission’s eight regions posted year‑over‑year growth in fiscal 2025, according to the agency’s annual gross gaming revenue report. Sacramento led all regions with $12.6 billion, up 4.1% from 2024. The D.C. region recorded the largest percentage gain at 9.8%, rising to $11.2 billion. Portland, Phoenix, St. Paul, Tulsa, and Oklahoma City also reported increases ranging from 2.5% to 5.3%.
Rapid City was the only region to decline. The report shows FY 2025 revenue of $439.8 million, down 0.9% from the previous year.
The report also highlights the uneven distribution of gaming revenue. About 9% of gaming operations generated nearly 56% of all tribal gaming revenue, while more than half of all facilities reported less than $25 million in annual revenue and collectively accounted for less than 5% of the industry's gross gaming revenue.
The commission cautioned that year-over-year regional changes should not be viewed as direct indicators of local economic conditions because new gaming facilities, expansions, renovations, temporary or permanent closures, regulatory changes and differences in fiscal years can all affect regional results.
The commission’s two current regulators, Associate Commissioner Sharon Avery and Vice Chairman Billy Kirkland, said the numbers represented continued “responsible growth” that benefits tribal communities.
“Indian gaming is an important contributor to tribal economies that empowers sovereign tribal governments to invest in their communities and provide their citizens with essential services,” said Kirkland, who also serves as the Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs.
