NIGC: US tribal revenue hits $43.9bn for fiscal year 2024

Key points:  

– The NIGC has reported US tribal revenue of $43.9bn for fiscal year 2024 

– This figure represents an upturn of 4.6% and was primarily driven by the California region 

– Each of the eight NIGC-recognised regions reported revenue growth year-on-year 

The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has released its official fiscal year 2024 gross gaming revenue (GGR) report.  

As highlighted in the report, tribal gaming revenue has risen by 4.6% in comparison to results from the year prior, settling at $43.9bn during fiscal year 2024.  

Revenue by region 

Indeed, the NIGC spans across eight distinct regions of the US – as shown on the map below. During the fiscal year 2024, each of these eight regions reported year-on-year revenue growth, the most notable of which was the Oklahoma region – which increased its revenue by 12.7%. This region was, however, at the bottom end of the GGR scale with $3.62bn being reported for the year.  

Leading the way with regard to overall GGR figures was the Sacramento region – which encapsulates Northern Nevada and California – reporting a revenue of $12.13bn during the year. Trailing behind, the D.C. region – which encompasses much of the Deep South, alongside New York and Connecticut, posted $10.2bn in revenue, followed by the St. Paul region which posted a GGR of $5.17bn.  

Bottom of the pile in both revenue and revenue growth was the Tulsa region, which reported a GGR of $3.56bn and growth of just 0.1%.  

*Map sourced from NIGC FY 2024 GGR report

Revenue by tribal operation 

As highlighted by the NIGC report, the vast majority of overall GGR was accounted for by a small percentage of powerful tribal operations across the country. Specifically, 54.5% of recorded revenues came from just 8.5% of the 532 tribal operations. 

On the other end of the scale, 54.3% of tribal operations in the US submitted annual revenues of below $25m – accounting for just 4.9% of the overall revenue figure.  

Good to know: The NIGC was originally incepted in 1988 following the passage of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) 

Chairwoman’s comments  

During the fiscal year period, the NIGC saw the reappointment of Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland and new appointment of Associate General Counsel Sharon Avery as Associate Commissioners – with Avery quickly reannounced as Acting Chair of the Commission last May.  

Indeed, speaking on these latest results, Avery stated: ” The National Indian Gaming Commission’s (NIGC) Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) report highlights another record-breaking year for Indian gaming, underscoring the industry’s continued resilience and strength. This year’s GGR reached $43.9bn – an all-time high for tribal gaming and a $2.0bn increase over FY 2023, representing overall growth of 4.6%.  

“Once again in FY 2024, these strong numbers reflect the dedication of tribal leadership to preserve and grow this critical economic engine in their communities. Through the ever-changing gaming landscape, Tribal governments across the country continue to build sustainable economies through innovation, strategic development, and sound regulatory practices. We’re impressed with your continued success!  

“This report includes year-over-year comparisons and aggregated data from 532 independently audited financial reports submitted by nearly 250 federally recognised tribes across 29 states. Notably, all eight of NIGC’s administrative regions saw positive growth, with the Oklahoma City and Washington, DC regions leading the way – each posting double-digit increases over the previous year.”