Ailing Economy Takes Toll on Indian Gaming

March 3, 2011? In the latest edition of the annual Indian Gaming Industry Report, author Dr. Alan Meister finds that the ailing economy took its toll on Indian gaming in 2009. In fact, on a nationwide basis, gaming revenue at Indian gaming facilities declined for the first time in the recorded history of Indian gaming.

According to the report, gaming revenue at Indian gaming facilities nationwide decreased 1 percent, from $26.7 billion in calendar year 2008 to $26.4 billion in calendar year 2009. This decline was slight considering the 8 percent decline in the commercial casino segment of the gaming industry, but continues the slowdown in Indian gaming of the past several years. Performance, however, varied widely across states, tribes, and gaming facilities. Although the majority of Indian gaming facilities suffered a decline in 2009, many grew. The states with the highest amounts of gaming revenue from Indian gaming were California, Oklahoma, Connecticut, Florida, and Washington, while Indian gaming grew fastest in Alabama, Wyoming, Alaska, Nebraska, and Washington.

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 revenue sharing 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.

Dr. Meister has conducted extensive research and analysis of the gaming industry, particularly Indian gaming, over the last decade. 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.

To order a copy of 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 work, please contact:
Alan P. Meister, Ph.D.
Nathan Associates Inc.
T: 949-474-4955