Revenue From Tribal Gaming Dips In Arizona

By Stina Sieg
Published: Monday, May 2, 2016 - 5:27pm
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Tribal gaming revenue in Arizona has decreased in the last year. Contributions to the state from tribal casinos will be nearly $24 million for the quarter that ended March 31. That's more than a 5 percent decrease compared to the same quarter in 2015.

Arizona Department of Gaming Director Daniel Bergin said he’s hoping the dip is an aberration, as it comes after six consecutive quarters of revenue increase.

Tribes with Class III casinos contribute 1 percent to 8 percent of gross gambling revenue to the state, cities, towns and counties. This quarter, Bergin said, nearly $12 million will go to the education in the state, and almost $6 million will go to support trauma and emergency services.

Other funding is used for the gaming department's operating costs, state tourism and wildlife conservation.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.