Arizona’s tribal gaming sector continues its strong performance, with the Arizona Department of Gaming (ADG) reporting (pdf) $42,508,200 in contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the second quarter of fiscal year 2025. This milestone reflects sustained collaboration between the state and its tribal communities, driving growth in the gaming industry and delivering significant benefits statewide.
Jackie Johnson, Director of ADG, emphasized the importance of the partnership between Arizona’s tribal communities and state authorities in fostering these successes. “Strong collaboration and partnership between the state and Arizona’s tribal communities continue to drive the growth of the tribal gaming industry,” Johnson said. She noted that FY2025 has seen consecutive record quarters for tribal contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund, which has received over $2.3 billion since FY2004. These funds support Arizona’s cities, towns, counties, and critical programs.
Of the total $42.5 million contributed in Q2 FY2025, 88% went to the Arizona Benefits Fund. This fund plays a pivotal role in financing essential state programs, including:
- Instructional Improvement Fund/Education: $21,186,087
- Trauma and Emergency Services Fund: $10,593,043
- Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund: $3,026,584
- Tourism Fund: $3,026,584
- Problem Gambling Education, Treatment, and Prevention: $850,164
The remaining contributions were allocated to the Arizona Department of Gaming for operating expenses, totaling $3,825,738.
Tribal-State Gaming Compact Drives Economic Growth
Under the Arizona Tribal-State Gaming Compact, tribes with Class III casinos contribute a percentage of their gross gaming revenue to the state’s cities, towns, and counties. Currently, Arizona is home to 26 Class III casinos, which operate under the oversight of both tribal authorities and the ADG.
The compact has facilitated economic growth across the state, enabling tribal contributions to directly support educational programs, emergency healthcare, tourism promotion, and wildlife conservation efforts. It also addresses problem gambling through targeted education and treatment initiatives.
Decades of Positive Impact
The tribal-state partnership has proven to be a cornerstone of Arizona’s gaming industry since the compact’s inception. Over the past two decades, tribal gaming contributions have exceeded $2.3 billion, showcasing the sustained impact of these funds on Arizona’s development.
The Q2 FY2025 results highlight the ongoing success of this collaboration, with funds continuing to bolster programs that benefit Arizona’s diverse communities. As tribal gaming contributions set consecutive records, the partnership between the state and tribal entities remains a model for fostering mutual growth and shared prosperity.
