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A recent publication from the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) showed that the tribal gaming contribution to the Arizona Benefits Funds reached $43.5 million. This is a 3% annual increase from the $42.1 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2023.
Records show a more significant increase compared to the third quarter of Fiscal Year 2024, with a contribution of $28.6 million to the Arizona Benefits Fund. This increase is largely because of the rise in sports betting activity statewide.
In an ADG press statement, Jackie Johnson, Cabinet Executive Officer, ADG, commended their tribal partners for the growth and economic benefit it has brought to the state.
“Celebrating yet another remarkable milestone in tribal gaming, we are thrilled to announce that Arizona has witnessed yet another record-breaking year.
With a record contribution of $157.2 million to the Arizona Benefits Fund, our tribal partners have once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the prosperity of our state and local communities. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our tribal partners for their continued dedication and collaboration.”
Key takeaways
- The tribal gaming contribution to the Arizona Benefits Funds reached $43.5 million in FY24 Q4, a 3% annual increase.
- The Arizona Tribal-State Compact has created over 20,000 jobs. And it contributed over $2.2 billion to cities, counties, and the Arizona Benefits Funds.
- The Arizona Benefits Fund capitalized on funding educational and emergency service needs.
- Arizona is home to legal sports betting but online casinos remain unavailable. However, when tribal compact negotiations resurface it will be the perfect opportunity for Arizona Tribes to push an expansion.
Arizona tribal gaming revenue distribution in Q4 2024
By law, the Arizona gaming tribes must allocate a portion of their gaming revenue toward supporting specific areas within the state. This includes public safety, economic development within communities across the Grand Canyon State, and contributions to the Arizona Benefits Funds.
The Arizona Benefits Funds receive 88% of the tribal gaming contribution. Within this allocation,
- 56% goes to educational programs
- 28% supports emergency services and trauma centers
- 7% goes to wildlife and habitat conservation
- 7% goes towards statewide tourism promotion
- 2% supports the education, prevention, and treatment of problem gambling
| Arizona Benefits Funds | FY24 Q4 | FY24 Q3 | FY23 Q4 |
| Instructional Improvement Fund/Education | $22,474,451 | $14,243,532 | $21,417,251 |
| Trauma and Emergency Services Fund | $10,861,632 | $7,121,766 | $10,510,724 |
| Arizona Department of Gaming operating costs | $3,308,133 | $2,572,067 | $3,444,877 |
| Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund | $3,103,324 | $2,034,790 | $3,003,064 |
| Tourism Fund | $3,103,324 | $2,034,790 | $3,003,064 |
| Problem Gambling Education, Treatment and Prevention | $735,140 | $571,570 | $798,884 |
Two decades of growth witnessed in the tribal gaming compact
The Arizona Tribal-State Compact has been ongoing for over 20 years. And, since its inception, it has created over 20,000 jobs and contributed over $2.2 billion to the cities, counties, and Arizona Benefits Funds from its Class III gross gaming revenue.
The Grand Canyon State is home to 25 Class III casinos regulated by the ADG in partnership with Arizona tribes.
In other state news, Arizona’s gaming industry appears to be attracting significant interest, with operators recently flocking to establish a presence. For example, the launch of Lotto.com and the debut of Fanatics online sportsbook in AZ in recent months.
