The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has reported a gross gaming revenue (GGR) of $41.9bn for the fiscal year 2023.
This figure represents a 2.4% increase from the FY22 GGR result. The announcement was made by Chairwoman Sharon M Avery and Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland at the Wisconsin Gaming Regulators Association Summer Conference in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
The 2023 revenue data indicates that all eight NIGC regions saw growth compared to the previous fiscal year.
Avery commented: “This year’s GGR results demonstrate how a strong regulatory framework and diversity of tribal gaming enterprises generates growth in the gaming industry. Again, this year, tribal gaming operators and regulators have proven that their ingenuity and tenacity are catalysts for growth, even in the face of an ever-changing gaming landscape.”
The FY23 GGR follows a trend of growth in recent years. FY22 recorded a GGR of $40.9bn, a 5% increase over FY21’s results.
These figures were derived from the independently audited financial statements of 519 gaming operations owned by 244 federally recognised tribes in 29 states. Despite a significant decline in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, when GGR fell to $27.8bn, the tribal gaming industry recovered to $39.0bn in 2021 and $40.9bn in 2022.
The NIGC has also seen changes in its leadership. Michael Hoenig, the agency’s longest-serving General Counsel, departed in January 2023. During his tenure, he played a key role in regulatory advancements and responses to emerging issues such as the expansion of sports betting and new cyber threats.
