Tribal gaming posts record $46.2bn GGR in FY2025, up 5.3%

Tribal gaming revenue reached a new all-time high during fiscal year 2025, with the National Indian Gaming Commission reporting a combined $46.2bn in gross gaming revenue across 545 tribal operations spanning 29 states. The 5.3% year-on-year increase marks the industry's fifth consecutive record year, with the only interruption in that streak coming from the pandemic in 2020.

Performance varied across the eight NIGC reporting regions, but seven posted gains. Sacramento led with $12.6bn (up 4.1%), followed closely by Washington DC at $11.2bn (up 9.8%). St. Paul recorded $5.3bn (+2.9%), Portland $4.9bn (+5.3%), and Phoenix $4.2bn (+5.3%). Tulsa and Oklahoma City each generated $3.7bn, with increases of 2.5% and 3.3% respectively. The only region to see a decline was Rapid City, where GGR slipped 0.9% to roughly $439.8m.

The NIGC also highlighted a stark concentration among operators: just over half (54%) of tribal gaming facilities reported less than $25m in GGR, while only about 9% of operators exceeded that threshold. However, those larger facilities accounted for 56% of the industry's total revenue.

NIGC Vice Chair William Kirkland commented on the milestone, stating: "The continued success of Indian gaming further underscores its importance as a means to support self-sufficiency and strong tribal governments." He added, "The agency is proud to work alongside tribal leaders to uphold a regulatory framework that protects these achievements and ensures the benefits endure for future generations."

In a related development, the US Department of the Interior has proposed appointing Kirkland, an enrolled Navajo Nation member and current Assistant Secretary for Indian Affairs, to a three-year associate member term on the NIGC starting in April 2026.