Executive Summary:

The statistical data in this report is derived from public information, surveys conducted by National Indian Gaming Association and information supplied by National Indian Gaming Commission.

Indian gaming is positively changing the lives of Indian people, and providing economic stimulus inside and outside Indian Country. A 2007 study commissioned by the National Indian Gaming Association found that 75 percent of those polled concurred that Indian nations are benefiting from gaming.

The citizens of Indian nations know first hand that gaming revenues provide funding for essential services, such as police and fire, and the development of water, sewer and road systems. They also know that Indian gaming has become a central part of the U.S. economy.

The Economics of Indian Gaming Nationwide, the Indian gaming industry is an increasingly important factor in the U.S. economy. The 233 tribes in 28 states which are engaged in gaming are using the revenues to build and rebuild their communities, while putting tribal members to work and expanding essential government services. They are also contributing through taxes, revenue sharing, and charitable contributions to the health of the larger economy.

Take another look at Indian gaming in 2008 by the numbers:

• Tribes generated $25.9 billion in gross gaming revenues.

• Tribes produced another $3.2 billion in gross revenues from related resorts, hotels, restaurants and other lodging or entertainment venues.

• Tribal gaming stimulated 636,000 jobs nationwide, both at tribal enterprise and in
related businesses.

• The United States government gained $8.0 billion in federal taxes paid -- for
income tax, social security tax and excise tax -- and revenues saved from unemployment and welfare payments it didn’t have to make.

• States received $2.5 billion in taxes, regulatory payments and revenue sharing,
resulting from state tribal gaming compacts.

• Local governments received more than $100 million from gaming tribes.

• Nationally, charities garnered $150 million in contributions from gaming tribes.