The Importance of Serving Tribal Entities By Wesley Ryan Benally, CPA (Diné) The 22 federally recognized tribal nations within the state of Arizona make a vital contribution to the economics and wellbeing of the state. While most people reflexively think of gaming as the primary economic engine for tribes, there is more. But let’s start there. In the fiscal year ending June 30, 2021, gaming generated $1.9 billion in revenue for the 16 Arizona tribes that operate Las Vegas-style casinos, six tribes with slot machine transfer rights agreements and two other tribally owned gaming facilities. Since 2002, tribally owned entities have contributed over $1.82 billion in total revenues to the state through their gaming revenue compacts. About 12 percent ($228 million) of that total was directed to cities, towns and counties for governmental services benefitting the general public, such as public safety and economic development. Another 9 percent ($171 million) funded the state’s regulatory expenses. More than $97 million was contributed to the Arizona Benefits Fund, funding education programs, emergency services, wildlife and habitat conservation, tourism and the prevention and treatment of problem gambling.
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JULY/AUGUST 2022 AZ CPA
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