The Arizona Department of Gaming reported revenue from tribal casinos in the first quarter of the fiscal year amounted to $13.92 million, about half (52%) what the state received in the same period of the previous year —the three months ended June 30.
The drop was mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic that forced the closure of casinos throughout the state. Tribes voluntarily shuttered their gaming facilities months ago amid the worsening outbreak.
“To help slow the spread of COVID-19, our tribal partners voluntarily closed casinos during the Stay Home, Stay Healthy, Stay Connected executive order,” said Ted Vogt, Director of the Arizona Department of Gaming. “Much of this decrease is due to these closures. However, with the significant strides Arizona has made in combatting COVID-19, I am optimistic that tribal gaming in Arizona will quickly rebound to previous levels.”
The Navajo Nation’s four casinos, one of which is located in Arizona, remain closed but tribal leaders are drawing up plans to gradually reopen the reservation. Revenue from tribal gaming in Arizona goes to the Arizona Benefits Fund, including education, emergency services, wildlife conservation and other areas.
Sixteen tribes operate 23 casinos in Arizona. Per the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, Tribes with casinos contribute 1 to 8 percent of their Class III gross gaming revenue to the state, cities, towns and counties. Currently, there are 25 Class III casinos in Arizona, which ADG regulates with Arizona tribes.