The Golden State may be losing some of its business to Texas but its touch remains golden in one regard: Indian gaming.
Indian Gaming is responsible for 56,000 jobs in the state, according a report conducted by Beacon Economics and commissioned by California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA). The report surveyed 17 gaming tribes, using 2012 data. CNIGA has 34 members. The report showed a growth of 7.2 percent since 2010.
Indian gaming generates nearly $8 billion annually, according to the report, which
comes at a time that the state legislature is strongly considering legalizing online gaming. Gaming tribes are normally reticent about talking about numbers and profits. However, some tribes see a benefit to showing how much their activities benefit the general economy.
The report did not examine revenues or negative impacts, a focus that Cheryl Schmitt of Stand Up For California said was disappointing. “It’s not a study that looks at what are the impacts to the surrounding areas or the impacts to the state,” she said.
It does at non-gaming operations, $2.3 billion, and $505.7 million paid in taxes at all levels and $36.6 million in charitable contributions. About $2.9 billion goes to casino salaries and benefits.
Daniel Tucker, chairman of the Sycuan Band of the Kumeyaay nation, hailed the report. “California tribal governments are upholding the promise we made to California voters: that we would provide for our people and land, create jobs in local communities, and be good neighbors by supporting the nonprofits and public entities that contribute to the quality of life in our regions,” he said.
