Tribal Gaming Hits Record $43.9 Billion in FY2024 Amid Growing Competition from Commercial and Unregulated Markets

Tribal gaming in the United States has reached its highest level of revenue ever recorded, with the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) reporting Gross Gaming Revenues (GGR) of $43.9 billion for fiscal year 2024.

This milestone represents a 4.6% increase from FY2023’s total of $41.9 billion and underscores the continued growth and significance of tribal gaming operations across the country.

The NIGC’s annual report compiles financial data from 532 tribal gaming facilities operated by 243 federally recognized tribes in 29 states. Among the most notable regional gains were recorded in Oklahoma City, which saw a 12.7% jump in revenue, and Washington, D.C., which experienced an 11.2% increase. Sacramento, meanwhile, remained the top-performing region with $12.1 billion in revenue—a modest 1.4% rise from the previous year.

NIGC Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland emphasized the broader implications of the industry’s performance, saying: “These revenue numbers demonstrate the positive impacts of tribal gaming and the essential role it plays supporting tribal sovereignty, job growth, infrastructure, education, and important social, health, and welfare programs in tribal communities – just to name a few.” She added, “NIGC remains committed to working with Tribes and their regulators to ensure the long-term integrity and success of Indian gaming.”

The growth in tribal gaming revenue continues a long-term upward trend that began in the early 2000s. Since 2005, when GGR stood at $22.6 billion, tribal gaming revenue has nearly doubled. The only disruption came during the COVID-impacted fiscal year of 2020, but the industry rebounded quickly in 2021 and has continued to post gains ever since.

Still, tribal gaming’s growth lags behind that of the commercial sector. According to the American Gaming Association, commercial gaming brought in a record $71.9 billion in 2024—a 7.5% increase from the previous year. Traditional casinos led the charge with $49.8 billion, while sports betting saw explosive growth, increasing 25.4% to $13.7 billion. The online casino sector (iGaming) also surged, reaching $8.4 billion in revenue thanks to strong performances in Pennsylvania, Michigan, and New Jersey—all of which surpassed the $2 billion mark. Rhode Island’s entry into the iGaming space as the seventh state to legalize online casinos contributed to the momentum.

However, both tribal and commercial sectors trail the unregulated gambling market in growth. A 2024 report by Yield Sec revealed that unregulated online gambling generated a staggering $67.1 billion—nearly triple the $23 billion produced by regulated platforms.

Despite this, the NIGC believes tribal gaming is on solid footing for the future. “With strong tribal governance and collaborative regulation, the industry is well positioned to meet future challenges and opportunities,” the commission stated. The continued expansion of unregulated gambling platforms has sparked concern among tribal and state regulators, prompting action in several jurisdictions.

Throughout 2024, efforts to curtail illegal gaming operations—such as sweepstakes casinos, prediction markets, and offshore sites—have intensified. States like New York, New Jersey, Montana, and Connecticut have passed laws targeting the dual-currency systems used by sweepstakes operators. Tribal governments have also taken a firm stance. In California, the California Nations Indian Gaming Association has voiced its support for a bill that would outlaw such platforms. Chair James Siva stated: “These illegal platforms erase the benefits of regulated gaming while exposing consumers to serious risks.”

Tribes have also taken legal action against the spread of sports prediction markets. A coalition of 60 tribes submitted amicus briefs in state courts opposing Kalshi, alleging that the company’s sports-based contracts violate tribal gaming rights under the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA). In addition, several California tribes filed a lawsuit against Kalshi and Robinhood last month.

The lawsuit reads: “Kalshi is engaging in sport gambling as defined by the IGRA and the Tribes’ Compacts, Procedures, and Ordinances. Therefore, the Tribes seek an order from the Court enjoining Kalshi from conducting its illegal sports gambling operation.”

California’s tribes, who hold exclusive rights to gambling within the state, have also supported the move by Attorney General Rob Bonta to declare daily fantasy sports (DFS) as illegal gambling—further defending their regulatory domain.

Despite increasing competition from commercial and unregulated sectors, tribal gaming remains on a growth trajectory. Tribal nations will continue to advocate for stronger enforcement against illegal operators and tighter limitations on the expansion of legalized gambling in markets where they hold exclusivity, such as California. Their success in maintaining a dominant role within the regulated industry will depend on both their regulatory influence and the continued trust of lawmakers and consumers. 

By fLEXI tEAM