For Immediate Release Media Contact: Michael Odle

 (202) 632-7003 

2012 Indian gaming revenues increase 2.7 percent 

Indian gaming revenues offer economic encouragement 

WASHINGTON, July 23, 2013 — Today Tracie Stevens, Chairwoman of the National Indian 

Gaming Commission, released data showing revenues generated by the Indian gaming industry in 

2012 totaled $27.9 billion. These revenues are the highest ever and this year marks the third

consecutive year of growth of gross gaming revenues (GGR) since the recession began in 2008. 

“In 2012, the Indian gaming industry saw its largest gross gaming revenues ever,” said Tracie 

Stevens, Chairwoman of the NIGC. “For those who judge casino spending as an indicator of 

increased discretionary spending and economic recovery, 2012 revenues certainly display economic 

encouragement.” 

The 2012 GGR of $27.9 billion represents 2.7 percent growth in revenue from the 2011 GGR of 

$27.2 billion. The overall growth of GGR in 2012 is attributable to 66 percent of the Indian gaming 

operations, which reported an increase in gaming revenues. Of the operations that reported an 

increase in revenue, approximately 44 percent showed moderate growth of less than 10 percent. 

“Regulation has played a key role in the growth of the Indian gaming industry,” said Associate 

Commissioner Dan Little. “Over the last three years our regulatory review has provided much needed 

reform to meet the needs of the changing industry and provide flexibility and consistency for tribes 

and tribal regulators.” 

The table below shows the revenue trends over the past 10 years. Since 2010, the Indian gaming 

industry experienced approximately 3 percent annual growth—reaching its largest GGR this year. 

Growth attributed to small 

and moderate gaming 

operations 

Small and moderate gaming 

operations make up 56 percent 

of Indian gaming. Many Indian 

tribes use gaming revenues to 

fund economic development 

activities on reservations and 

more effective provision of tribal 

government services, including 

health services, early education 

programs and language and 

cultural preservation activities. 

In 2012, 98 Indian gaming 

operations reported gaming 

revenue between $10 million and $25 million, 70 Indian gaming operations reported gaming revenue 

between $3 million and $10 million and 69 Indian gaming operations reported gaming revenue less 

than $3 million. 
“These numbers illustrate that the majority of tribal gaming operations are small to mid-size,” said 

Stevens. “The industry is driven by the demographics of each area. Most tribal gaming operations are 

in rural parts of the country where jobs are greatly needed for both natives and non-natives alike.” 

All regions show growth in revenues 

The map shown illustrates the seven 

NIGC regions across the country. 

Continuing the trend that began in 2011, 

all seven regions experienced growth in 

2012. The largest increase in GGR of 

5.1 percent or $233 million occurred 

within the St. Paul Region, which 

consists of 120 gaming operations 

across nine Great Plains states. The 

Tulsa Region, which consists of 64 

gaming operations in Kansas and eastern 

Oklahoma, had the largest percentage 

increase from 2011--6.6 percent or $125 

million. 

The NIGC’s GGR release provides the 

most comprehensive look at the 

revenues of the Indian gaming industry 

each year. GGR also provides a regional 

view of revenues figures for the more 

than 420 gaming establishments, 

associated with nearly 240 tribes across 

28 states. 

The 2012 GGR is calculated based on 

independently audited financial 

statements received by the NIGC 

through June 20, 2013. Financial 

statements are submitted by Indian 

gaming operations in accordance with 

the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act. 

Gaming revenues represent the net win 

from gaming activities, which is the 

difference between gaming receipts and 

payouts. 

The charts and graphics included in this 

release, as well as additional data, can be found at www.nigc.gov/media. 

The National Indian Gaming Commission is committed to the prompt and efficient regulation of the 

Indian gaming industry, which spans more than 420 gaming establishments, associated with nearly 

240 tribes across 28 states. The Commission’s dedication to compliance with the Indian Gaming 

Regulatory Act ensures the integrity of the $27 billion Indian gaming industry. For more information, 

visit www.nigc.gov. 

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The National Indian Gaming Commission is an independent regulatory agency established within the Department of the Interior 

pursuant to the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act of 1988.