Arizona: Tribal gaming contributes nearly $43.6 million to Arizona Benefits Fund in Q4

Sunday, June 23, 2024 6:27 PM
Photo:  Shutterstock
  • Sam Bentham, Special to CDC Gaming

The Arizona Department of Gaming has announced a 3 percent year-on-year increase in tribal gaming contributions for the fourth quarter, with tribal gaming contributed just less than $43.6 million to the Arizona Benefits Fund.

The increase comes as all sectors of gambling in the state grow, with a considerable year-on-year increase in sports betting revenue across the state.

“Celebrating yet another remarkable milestone in tribal gaming, we are thrilled to announce that Arizona has witnessed yet another record-breaking year,” Cabinet Executive Officer for the ADG Jackie Johnson said in a news release. “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.”

The Arizona Benefits Fund receives 88 percent of tribal gaming contributions and uses them to enhance various sectors and industries in the state. The Instructional Improvement Fund/Education received the highest total, $22.5 million, in these latest contributions.

The ADG awarded the Trauma and Emergency Services Fund $10.9 million, while the Tourism Fund and the Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund each got $3.1 million. The Arizona Department of Gaming took $3.3 million for operating costs.  Problem Gambling, Education and Prevention received the lowest total of $700,000.

The state has 25 Class III casinos regulated by a partnership of the ADG and Arizona tribes. Arizona tribal-state gaming compacts allow tribal casinos to allocate a percentage of their Class III gross gaming revenue to state cities, towns and counties. Since the beginning of the 2004 financial year, tribes have contributed more than $2.2 billion to the Arizona Benefit Fund, cities, towns and counties.

 

Sam Bentham is a US Editor and Staff Writer at Major League Content. Having studied media production and played American football in his [English] university, he’s passionate about US sports and gambling, having covered both industries for years.