GAMING GIVES $2 BILLION

Arizona Indian Gaming Nears $2 Billion In Contributions To Arizona Benefits Fund

In a press conference at the Arizona State Capitol, the Arizona Indian Gaming Association (AIGA) announced that the state is expected to reach $2 billion in contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund by the second quarter of 2023, generated through Tribal gaming revenue.

“Through Tribal gaming, we have been able to fund vital programs essential to advancing and improving the lives of all Arizonans,” said Robert Miguel, chairman of the Ak-Chin Indian Community and for AIGA. “It’s difficult to imagine what our state would look like without the significant contributions of our Indian gaming communities.”

The Arizona Benefits Fund helps to support instructional improvement in schools, trauma and emergency care, tourism, and wildlife conservation throughout the state. Arizona Department of Gaming reported $27,607,589 in contributions for the first quarter of fiscal 2023, bringing the total amount of Tribal contributions to over $1.98 billion since 2004.

In addition to Chairman Miguel, Chairwoman Sherry Cordova of the Cocopah Tribe and Arizonans for Tribal Government Gaming, Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs, and City of Glendale Councilman Jamie Aldama offered remarks, with many Tribal and city leaders in attendance.

“I was honored to be at this historic event, which marked an important milestone in the State of Arizona’s relationship with Tribal gaming. There can be no doubt that this partnership has had lasting, positive impact in the areas that are important to the growth and sustainability of our communities,” said Governor Hobbs.

The impending milestone was celebrated with a cultural presentation by the Hualapai Tribe, color guard posting by American Legion Post #114 Bushmasters of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, and blessing by Councilman Edward Wemytewa of the Pueblo of Zuni. Governor Hobbs, City of Glendale Councilman Jamie Aldama, and Tribal leaders spoke about the importance of Tribal gaming and its successes.

“This was a significant event that brought to life the impact that Tribal gaming has had all across our great state,” said Chairwoman Cordova. “We are grateful to Governor Hobbs and the city and Tribal leaders who took the time to share their stories and show their support for Tribal gaming in Arizona.”

AIGA supports Indian gaming in Arizona by advocating, educating, partnering, and promoting tribal government gaming to benefit tribes and all of Arizona. Tribal gaming continues to provide for tribal communities through employment, education, enhanced services to tribal members, and other economic development opportunities.

Arizona Benefits Fund receives 88% of Tribal gaming contibutions which funds six programs including: 1. Instructional improvement/education, 2. Emergency services and trauma, 3. Cities, towns, counties, 4. Tourism, 5. Arizona wildlife conserva-tion, and 6. The Arizona Department of Gaming operating costs and problem gambling education, treatment, and prevention.

About AIGA: Arizona Indian Gaming Association advocates, educates, partners, and promotes Tribal Gaming to benefit gaming reliance by supporting tribal gaming enterprises on Arizona Indian lands.

In 1987, the U.S. Supreme Court affirmed Indian tribes’ inherent rights to operate gaming on Indian land. In 1988, Congress passed the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) affirming Tribal sovereignty and establishing the statutory framework for Indian gaming. IGRA is intended to: “Provide a statutory foundation for Indian gaming operations as a means of promoting economic development, tribal self-sufficiency and strong tribal government.”

IGRA promotes Tribal economic development as federal policy. IGRA also established the regulatory framework and standards for the conduct of Indian gaming, including: Federal regulation through the National Indian Gaming Commission, Requirement of a tribal-state compact between a state and each tribe engaged in gaming, Tribal regulation through respective Tribal gaming regulatory agencies, and State review through state agencies, e.g., the Arizona Department of Gaming.

The AIGA: Maintains and supports a strong commitment to Tribal sovereignty and governmental authority, Protects and promotes the welfare of Tribes by supporting Tribal gaming enterprises on Arizona Indian lands, Serves as an educational, legislative and public policy resource for Tribes, policy makers, and the public on Indian gaming issues, Is committed to maintaining and protecting Tribal sovereign governmental authority. For more information visit AZIndianGaming.org. $