In Arizona, quarterly contributions from Native American-operated casinos?increased for the second quarter, generating nearly?$27 million for the state’s coffers.

According to a recent news release from the Arizona?Department of Gaming (pdf)…

Statewide tribal contributions for the quarter ending September 30, 2018, were reported at approximately?$26.9 million, a two percent increase from the same time last year.

“Pleased to see continued growth”

Director of the state agency charged with the regulation of tribal gaming, pari-mutuel racing and wagering, and boxing and mixed martial arts [Arizona Department of Gaming], Daniel Bergin (pictured) said…

“We are pleased to see continued growth in tribal gaming contributions for the second quarter of Fiscal Year 2019.?This seventh consecutive quarter of growth is a strong reflection of our?State’s healthy economy.”

Distribution of tribal contributions:

According to the report released on Friday, the Arizona Department of Gaming will distribute quarterly tribal contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund as follows:

  • Instructional Improvement Fund/Education …………………………………………………….$13,395,669
  • Trauma and Emergency Services Fund……………………………………………………………….$6,697,835
  • Arizona Department of Gaming operating costs ……………………………………………..$2,418,961
  • Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund ……………………………………………………………………$1,913,667
  • State Tourism Fund ………………………………………………………………………………………………..$1,913,667
  • Problem Gambling Education, Treatment and Prevention ……………………………. $537,547

Making the total tribal gaming contributions for the quarter ending September 30, 2018, $26,877,346.

Under the terms of the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, Native American tribes with gaming establishments contribute between 1 and 8 percent of their Class III gross gaming generated?revenue?to?counties, towns, cities and?the state.

Operating tribal casinos:

Currently, in Arizona 16 Native American tribes operate 23 Class III casinos on reservation territories, with an additional five tribes having transfer licenses enabling?them to lease slot machines -via transfer agreements- to tribes possessing casinos.

In other Arizona news, in September this year,?the federally-recognized?Tohono O’odham Nation received official approval to take into trust 81 acres of land adjacent to its coming?Desert Diamond West Valley Casino in Maricopa County. That, in addition to a 54-acre plot secured by the tribe approximately eight years ago.