The Indian Gaming Association (IGA) Mid-Year Conference 2024 highlighted an era of remarkable growth and strategic advancements in tribal gaming. Under the leadership of Chairman Ernie Stevens Jr., the industry has reached new heights, with tribal gaming revenues climbing to $48 billion in 2023—a $3 billion increase from the previous year. This financial success is bolstered by an additional $5.1 billion from ancillary services like hotels, food, and entertainment (Indian Gaming).
New Leaders on the Horizon
This year’s IGA leadership elections introduced fresh perspectives, with Justin Barrett of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe being elected as Treasurer. Alongside him, James Siva of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and Andrew (Dru) Alejandre from the Paskenta Band of Nomlaki Indians are part of a new wave of leaders focused on revitalizing the industry. They aim to address complacency and unify tribal gaming efforts, bringing innovative ideas to the forefront (iGB).
2024 IGA Mid-Year Conference Highlights
The IGA’s 2024 Mid-Year Conference at Tulalip Resort Casino, from September 16-18, introduced a groundbreaking education track, “Harnessing the Power: Green Energy in Indian Country.” This track explored the transformative potential of renewable energy projects on tribal lands, including solar, wind, geothermal, and biomass initiatives. These projects are not only driving economic growth but also aligning with Indigenous values of land stewardship and sustainability (Indian Gaming).
As part of their dedication to supporting and collaborating with tribal communities, Lucky Lady Games (LLG) executives Sandra Wong and Bobby Mann, along with tribal lobbyist Chris Gallardo, visited IGA in Tulalip Casino, located in the North West (Photos of Ernie Stevens, Jr. the Chairman and national spokesperson for the Indian Gaming Association, IGA and Justin Barrett, the newly elected Treasurer of IGA and also cofounder of Tribal Leadership Council). Their visit underscored the importance of relationships, community, partnership and shared goals in advancing the interests of tribal gaming.
The Tribal Leadership Council: Empowering Future Leaders
The Tribal Leadership Council is a new initiative aimed at nurturing the next generation of tribal leaders. Led by individuals like Justin Barrett, Andrew (Dru) Alejandre and James Siva, the council provides emerging leaders with the resources and support they need to navigate the complexities of tribal gaming. Their focus on fostering unity and strategic growth ensures a sustainable future for the industry (iGB).
The Tribal Leadership Council is a board-governed not-for-profit business that proudly supports tribal leaders and executives with continuing education and provides tools to better their organizations.
Our primary focus is empowering leadership and promoting economic growth and prosperity for tribal communities. By leveraging our experience and deep understanding of the challenges that tribal leaders and executives face, we aim to be a trusted partner. We are passionate about creating sustainable leadership and solutions that benefit our communities.
This organization was formed in 2023 after a conversation amongst two tribal leaders which led to wanting to provide a solution for the younger generation of tribal leadership to help them understand their roles and responsibilities to their communities. This message was then shared with other tribal leaders who now make up the Board of Directors with the goal of creating sustainable leadership.
To learn more about the Tribal Leadership Council, visit https://triballeadershipcouncil.com/
Key Highlights:
In 2023, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) reported a record-breaking revenue of $41.91 billion for Native American gaming operators, marking a 2.4% increase from the previous year’s $40.94 billion. This growth was seen across all eight NIGC regions, which encompass 527 tribally owned, operated, or licensed establishments in 29 states.
Full Report from NIGC.GIV 2023
- FY 2023’s GGR of $41.9 billion marks the highest ever GGR for the Indian gaming industry.
- Regional Contributions: The Sacramento region, covering California and northern Nevada, was the top revenue generator with $11.97 billion. The Washington D.C. region, including New York, North Carolina, and several southern states, followed with $9.19 billion. The Phoenix region saw the highest growth, with a 5.5% increase, totaling $2.93 billion.
- Technological Adaptation: The NIGC emphasized the role of technology in driving growth, as tribal gaming operations adapted to advancements and changing consumer preferences to offer innovative experiences.
- Sports Betting Expansion: Tribal influence in gaming is growing, particularly in sports betting. The Seminole Tribe’s Hard Rock Bet platform launched in Florida, signaling significant tribal involvement in the expanding sports betting market.
As the IGA prepares for its 2025 event in San Diego, the focus remains on innovative growth strategies, sustainable practices, and the empowerment of tribal communities through gaming. This year’s achievements and initiatives set a promising tone for the future of tribal gaming, ensuring it continues to be a vital force for economic and cultural empowerment.
More Tribal Gaming by the Numbers
Overall Revenue and Growth:
- 2023 Tribal Gaming Revenues: Reached a record $48 billion, showing a significant increase from previous years and underscoring the economic impact of tribal gaming (Indian Gaming).
- Ancillary Income: Additional $5.1 billion generated from hotels, food, beverages, and entertainment, contributing to the overall economic growth in tribal communities(Indian Gaming).
Employment and Economic Impact:
- Jobs Created: Tribal gaming is a major employer, providing tens of thousands of jobs across various communities. As of recent data, tribal casinos and related enterprises employ over 700,000 people in the United States.
- Economic Contributions: Beyond direct revenues, tribal gaming contributes to local economies through infrastructure development, social programs, healthcare, and educational funding.
Online and Digital Gaming Expansion:
- iGaming and Sports Betting: With the growing legalization and regulation of online gambling, many tribes are exploring or have already launched iGaming and sports betting platforms. This sector is expected to significantly increase tribal gaming revenues in the coming years.
- Projected Growth: The online gambling market, including sports betting and iGaming, is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5% between 2022 and 2027, offering tribes new avenues for revenue generation.
Class II and Class III Gaming:
- Class II Gaming: Includes games like bingo and non-banked card games. It remains an essential part of the tribal gaming landscape, especially for tribes in states with restrictive gaming laws.
- Class III Gaming: Includes casino-style games like slot machines, blackjack, and roulette. Class III gaming is a significant revenue driver for many tribal casinos, requiring tribal-state compacts for operation.
Regional Impact:
- Top Revenue States: California and Oklahoma continue to be the leading states in terms of tribal gaming revenues, with numerous successful casinos driving economic growth in these regions.
- Regional Distribution: Tribal gaming operations vary significantly by region, with some areas focusing on smaller, community-oriented facilities, while others have large-scale resorts and casinos.
Contribution to Community Development:
- Healthcare and Education: Revenues from tribal gaming are often used to fund critical services in tribal communities, including healthcare, education, and social services.
- Infrastructure Development: Many tribes reinvest gaming revenues into infrastructure projects, including roads, housing, and community centers, enhancing the quality of life for their members.
Legal and Regulatory Environment:
- Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA): Passed in 1988, IGRA provides the framework for regulating tribal gaming, ensuring it remains a tool for economic development and self-sufficiency.
- State Compacts: Tribal-state compacts regulate Class III gaming operations, providing a source of revenue sharing and establishing guidelines for gaming activities.
These statistics highlight the significant impact of tribal gaming on economic growth, community development, and the evolving landscape of online and digital gaming. As the industry continues to innovate and expand, it offers tribes new opportunities for economic empowerment and cultural preservation.
