Revenues from tribal casinos in Arizona bounced back in the second quarter, bringing in more than million in taxes to the state, a 4.8 percent increase over last year, according to figures released by the Arizona Department of Gaming.
The last few quarters had seen a decline in revenues from the tribes’ 23 Class III casinos. Each of the 16 tribes pays as much as 8 percent of gross gaming revenues.
Of this money, $13 million will go to schools and $6.5 million to emergency services.
The Tohono O’odham Nation recently ended years of legal wrangling with the state when it and Governor Doug Ducey came to an agreement on a tribal state gaming compact. This means the nation will soon open a $400 million Class III casino in Glendale, where it already operates a Class II casino.
The state’s horseracing industry, however, isn’t looking ahead with much optimism.
With only two racetracks left in the state, the state has cut the budget of the state division that oversees thoroughbred wagering. This has forced layoffs and the Division of Racing is looking at running out of money by next spring.
That would force live racing in Turf Paradise in Phoenix and Rillito Racetrack in Tucson to close. Racing is not allowed without agency oversight.
