The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has posted its full-year gross gaming figures for 2018, with revenues ahead by 4.1% year-on-year to $33.7bn. According to Vice Chair Kathryn Isom-Clause, and Associate Commissioner E Sequoyah Simermeyer, who jointly announced the results, the 2018 total is the highest in Indian gaming history.
Moreover, unlike in previous years, all of the NIGC’s administrative regions experienced positive growth during the period. The Portland Region showed the highest growth with an 8.2% increase, followed by the Oklahoma City Region with a 7.3% increase.
“The GGR calculation process is an example of the partnership between tribes and the NIGC to ensure effective regulation for a successful tribal gaming industry,” said Isom-Clause. “These numbers reaffirm the industry’s health as a stable economic driver for Indian Country.”
Revenues are calculated based on 501 independently audited financial statements, comprising 241 federally recognized Tribes across 29 States. The GGR for an operation is calculated based on the amount wagered minus winnings returned to players.
Simermeyer added: “The annual GGR tells a positive story about Indian gaming’s economic success and the industry’s ongoing contribution to a strong economy. It also tells the story of how collaboration among tribes, industry and the regulatory communities can build a strong reputation for reliability and integrity in the GGR calculation.”
