The National Indian Gaming Commission last week released information that tribal gaming in 2018 had its best ever year in terms of gross gaming revenue (GGR.)
The 520 tribal casinos, operated by 247 tribes in 29 states took in $33.7 billion, an increase of 4.1 percent over the year before. The two fastest growing regions were the Portland Region, which increased by 8.2 percent and the Oklahoma City Region with a 7.3 percent increase.
NIGC Vice Chairman Kathryn Isom-Clause said in a statement, “The GGR calculation process is an example of the partnership between tribes and the NIGC to ensure effective regulation for a successful tribal gaming industry,” said Vice Chair of the National Indian Gaming Commission Kathryn Isom-Clause. “These numbers reaffirm the industry’s health as a stable economic driver for Indian Country.” The numbers are derived from audited financial statements from the tribes, with the GGR being the amount wagered minus winnings returned to players.
Commissioner Sequoyah Simermeyer added, “The annual GGR tells a positive story about Indian gaming’s economic success and the industry’s ongoing contribution to a strong economy. It also tells the story of how collaboration among tribes, industry and the regulatory communities can build a strong reputation for reliability and integrity in the GGR calculation.”
