• April 10, 2015

Indian Gaming Industry Report 2014 Released

March 26, 2014-In the latest edition of the Indian Gaming Industry Report, Nathan Associates Principal Economist Dr.Alan Meister finds that despite experiencing modest growth in 2012, Indian gaming was outpaced by other casino gaming segments. On a nationwide basis, Indian gaming grew approximately 2 percent, bringing in about $28.1 billion in gaming revenue.Meanwhile, the commercial casino segment grew 4 percent, and the racetrack casino (racino) segment grew 8 percent. Indian gaming’s growth was also slower than in 2011 (3.4 percent) and was below its pre-recession rate (4 percent in 2007).

Performance varied widely across facilities, tribes, and states. Approximately 66 percent of Indian gaming facilities experienced growth in gaming revenue in 2012, while about 34 percent experienced a decline. Of the 28 states with Indian gaming, 22 experienced gaming revenue growth in 2012, with growth ranging from +20 percent in Alaska to -8 percent in Connecticut.

Gaming revenue remained concentrated among a relatively small number of gaming facilities and states. The top 31 percent of facilities accounted for 85 percent of gaming revenue, while the bottom 33 percent accounted for only 2 percent. Furthermore, the top 10 states generated 86 percent of gaming revenue at Indian gaming facilities.

Overall, Indian gaming made a significant contribution to the U.S. economy in 2012. The 243 Native American tribes operating 468 gaming facilities in 28 states directly and indirectly generated approximately $91 billion in output, 679,000 jobs, $30 billion in wages, and $9 billion in taxes and revenue sharing payments to federal, state, and local governments.

The Indian Gaming Industry Report is the most comprehensive, up-to-date study of Indian gaming available. It provides information on the number of facilities, tribes,gaming machines, and table games; gaming and non-gaming revenue; tribal revenuesharing with state and local governments; pending and approved applications for land into trust for gaming purposes; and the economic and fiscal contribution of Indian gaming to the U.S. economy. The study also provides detailed background and cutting edge analysis, including market summaries; a historical review; trend analyses; comparisons of Indian gaming across states; comparisons of Indian gaming to other gaming segments, including commercial casinos,racinos, and card rooms; and assessments of the historical and future performance of Indian gaming.

For over 14 years, Dr. Meister has conducted extensive research and analysis of the gaming industry, particularly Indian gaming. His research and analyses have been relied on in matters before the United States Supreme Court and the World Trade Organization. He has also been commissioned by the National Indian Gaming Commission to independently analyze the economic effects of proposed changes in Indian gaming regulations. Dr. Meister’s work is frequently cited in the press, and his studies are a trusted resource for government and regulatory agencies, investors, and the industry itself, as well as associated industries.

For more about the Indian Gaming Industry Report, please visit www.indiangamingreport.com.

For more information on the report and on Nathan Associates,Gaming Industry and Indian Gaming practices, please contact:

Alan P. Meister, Ph.D.
Nathan Associates Inc.
T: 949-474-4955

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