Study finds tribal gaming linked to economic gains and reduced poverty
The study found tribal gaming brings in over $40 billion a year as poverty rates fell in Native communities
A new study by the U.S. Census Bureau found that tribal gaming generates more than $40 billion annually and has contributed to economic gains in Native communities, according to an article by ICT and Marquette University. The article notes that about half of federally recognized tribes operate gaming facilities, with more than 600 casino operations on tribal land as of 2019.
According to ICT and Marquette University, poverty rates among American Indian individuals have declined from about 31% before the 1988 Indian Gaming Regulatory Act to 19.6% in 2024. Tribal gaming revenue has supported employment, community programs and tribal services. However, the report states that geographic location and state policies can limit revenue for some tribes, including restrictions on gaming operations and distance from major population centers.
- 1.Amelia Schafer and Nareh Vartanian. ‘Tribal gaming saves lives,’ new study finds. ICT, .