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Since 2003, over $1.8 billion in shared revenue from tribal gaming has been invested in Arizona. Through the Arizona Benefits Fund, tribal gaming supports state and local programs and services in four core areas: Educational improvement, Trauma and emergency services, Wildlife Conservation, and Arizona tourism. Â
Additionally, the gaming tribes in Arizona have directly invested over $204,000,000 in city, town, and county governments for services benefiting the general public. These include public safety and the promotion of commerce and economic development. The gaming tribes in Arizona are committed to making a better Arizona for us all.Â
*Arizona Department of Gaming – Tribal contributions to the State (Arizona Benefits Fund) as of June 2024.
With the passage of Proposition 202, gaming tribes in Arizona volunteered to share a portion of shared gaming revenues with the state of Arizona and local governments to support specific state and local programs. Twelve percent (12 %) of the total monies is directed to city, town and county governments for government services benefitting the general public such as public safety and promotion of commerce and economic development. An additional 9% of the total funds the State’s regulatory expenses.
The remainder is contributed to the Arizona Benefits Fund. Of that fund, 56% of the shared revenues is directed to educational programs and needs; 28% funds emergency services and trauma centers; 7% funds wildlife and habitat conservation; 7% funds statewide tourism promotion; and 2% supports the education, prevention and treatment of problem gambling.
In addition, Tribes contribute funds every year directly to cities, towns and counties in Arizona.
Since 2002, Tribal Gaming has contributed over $2.2 billion in total revenues to Arizona.
The Indian Gaming Regulatory Act requires that funds from gaming must be used to promote economic development, self-sufficiency and strengthen tribal governments.
Tribal Gaming brings economic development to Arizona reservations, helping tribes meet longstanding deficits in social and economic conditions. In doing so, it also engenders new economic activity for the households and businesses that supply labor, goods, and services to Tribal casinos and governments, helping especially the economies of remote and rural counties.
Arizona School Districts receive 56% of the revenue deposited in the Arizona Benefits Fund each year which they spend to improve instruction in the districts’ schools. Since this fund was established, Tribes have contributed over $978 million to improve education for Arizona’s children.
Hospitals and trauma centers throughout the state receive 28% of the revenue deposited in the Arizona Benefits Fund each year to reimburse hospitals for uncovered trauma and emergency services. Since this fund was initiated, hospitals have received over $487 million to support critical services.
Wildlife and conservation throughout the state are benefiting through the Arizona Wildlife and Conservation Fund which is administered by Arizona Game & Fish. The fund supports conservation projects that protect wildlife and conserve natural habitats. Tribes have contributed more than $139 million to this fund during the past ten years.
The tourism industry in Arizona is benefiting because revenue is given to the Arizona Office of Tourism which supports this statewide industry. Over the past decade AOT has received more than $139 million to promote the State of Arizona and this vital industry.
Arizona-owned businesses are benefiting because they are selling their goods and services to Tribal enterprises which are a new and growing target market for Arizona vendors.
Cities, Towns and Counties statewide benefit because they receive 12% of a tribe’s total annual contribution of net gaming win every year. 12% money is contributed in addition to the revenue in the Arizona Benefits Fund. 12% money is used for government services that benefit
the general public, including public safety, mitigation of impacts of gaming, and promotion of commerce and economic development. Since 2002, Arizona cities, towns and counties have received $238 million from Tribal gaming revenues.
Charities and non-profit organizations receive millions of dollars from Tribes who are funding scholarships for students, supporting social service organizations and providing revenue for educational, economic and cultural organizations that benefit all Arizonans.
Tribal members benefit directly as their governments are moving to achieve self- reliance. With improved economies, Tribes are supporting their students, schools, hospitals and social service programs and building much needed infrastructure like sewer and water systems, roads and telephone and fiber optic communication networks.
Arizona Indian Gaming Association represents nine tribes representing Indian People living on reservations in Arizona. While four tribes are located near urban areas, most tribal lands are located in rural areas of Arizona.
