Arizona Department of Gaming reports decrease in tribal contributions

PHOENIX — The Arizona Department of Gaming reported a decline in tribal gaming contributions for the third quarter of the 2021 fiscal year.

The 4% decrease, which totaled more than $17.6 million in contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund, was compared to the third quarter of 2020.

Around $8.5 million of the funds was allotted to the instructional improvement/education fund while another $4.2 million went to the trauma and emergency services fund and $1.2 million to the wildlife conservation fund.

The decrease in revenue comes as casinos continue to struggle amid the on-going pandemic.

“While we did see a small decrease in contributions this quarter, I believe that the overall strength of Arizona’s economy and the resiliency of Tribal gaming in the state will make this downturn short-lived,” Ted Vogt, the department’s director, said in a press release.

Tribes with casinos contribute 1-8% of their Class III gross gaming revenue to the state, cities, towns and counties as part of the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact.

There are currently 24 Class III gaming facilities in Arizona, operated by 16 different tribes, according to ADG’s website.

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