US tribal gaming revenue reached a record $46.2bn in the 2025 financial year, extending the sector’s growth as casino income continued to support tribal governments and local economies.
GGR increased by $2.3bn, or 5.3%, from $43.9bn in 2024, according to figures released by the National Indian Gaming Commission.
The total was compiled from independently audited financial statements submitted by 545 gaming operations owned by 246 federally recognised tribes across 29 states. Seven of the NIGC’s eight regions reported annual revenue growth.
Billy Kirkland, NIGC Vice Chair said: “Indian gaming is an important contributor to tribal economies that empowers sovereign tribal governments to invest in their communities and provide their citizens with essential services,”
Sharon Avery, Associate Commissioner said the results reflected the industry’s continued focus on responsible growth and community benefit.
The Commission defines GGR as the amount wagered by customers minus winnings paid out. The measure does not represent operator profit, as it is calculated before operating costs, taxation, tribal distributions and other expenses. The 2025 result continues a sustained period of growth for tribal gaming. Revenue increased by 4.6% to $43.9bn in 2024, following $41.9bn in the previous year.
Tribal gaming operates under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act, with oversight shared between tribal governments, the NIGC and, for certain casino gaming agreements, individual states.
Revenue generated by tribal casinos is used to fund government services including healthcare, education, housing, public safety, infrastructure and cultural programmes. The industry also supports employment and wider economic development in communities surrounding tribal lands, with many gaming groups using casino income to invest in hotels, entertainment, hospitality and non gaming businesses.
The increase came from a larger operating base than in 2024, when the NIGC recorded 532 gaming operations owned by 243 tribes. These latest figures reinforce tribal gaming’s position as a major component of the US commercial gambling market and one of the principal sources of revenue supporting tribal economic sovereignty.
