Tribal gaming in California in 2014 generated .8 billion in economic output, according to a bi-annual economic impact study paid for by California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA) and produced by Beacon Economics.
Gaming tribes spend $4 billion in goods and services, the collateral effect of which was $3.8 billion in secondary spending by casino vendors. The tribes spent $3.3 billion in non-gaming operations. For many tribes, gaming is their primary source of revenue, which is spent on tribal services such as health and housing. And this spending is growing. For example, in 2012 tribal non-gaming operations supported 14,800 jobs in California. Two years later that number was 21,300.
Steve Stallings, chairman of CNIGA, commented, “The economic and labor impacts are felt in the local communities that surround tribal government gaming facilities. Across the state, 90 percent of those employed by tribal governments are non-tribal employees. Most of these facilities are in very remote and economically depressed areas and the casinos are some of the biggest employers in their regions.” He added, “The salaries and benefits provided by our members and their facilities exceed market wages for the same labor pool in the state.”
Susan Jensen, executive director of CNIGA, added, “We continue to be impressed by the economic power that Tribes bring to their regions as money generated in their communities significantly benefit the communities around them. A majority of employees at tribal facilities come from the immediate area.”
She said CNIGA is anticipating several new casinos opening in the state in the next few years as well as expansions on many other properties. “Tribal gaming operations are working tirelessly to provide new services and experiences for their patrons that will continue to generate positive economic benefits for their tribal governments and their local communities.”
