The National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) has released its Fiscal Year 2021 (FY 2021) Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR) report revealing a revenue increase of 40% year-on-year to $39 billion.
2021 revenues increased by 13% over pre-pandemic figures for 2019
The latest figures represent that highest revenue figures in Indian gaming history and shows that all administrative regions reported a positive increase in revenues from the previous year. The year-on-year increase is also the largest reported increase since the NIGC started recording revenue figures.
However, the NGIC did note that the fluctuations in revenues were significantly impacted by pandemic closures and that it will require some time before any positive trends are indicative of the industry’s overall health.
The report was officially released yesterday when Chairman E. Sequoyah Simermeyer and Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland made an announcement live from Tulsa, Okla.
Speaking of the results, Simermeyer said:
“NIGC recognizes this year’s rebound has not been felt equally by all tribes. We are committed to helping all tribal operations benefit from the regulatory lessons learned over the past two years. As we seek to build the regulatory workforce’s preparedness, all parts of the Indian gaming industry have a responsibility to learn from the experiences of tribes who have forged the path so we preserve those lessons and ensure we retain that knowledge for generations to come.”
He went on to add:
“While last year experienced a record number of closures there was also growth with new operations opening. This demonstrates gaming operations and tribes are making difficult decisions as they navigate a rebound from the pandemic.”
Vice Chair Hovland noted the positive results also reflect Indian gaming geographic, demographic and financial diversity saying:
“The industry has much to celebrate and be proud of. With 43 gaming operations reporting GGR greater than $250 million and accounting for more than 50% of total revenues, this year’s revenues underscore the wide diversity in gaming operations across Indian country.”
The revenues for FY 2021 were calculated using independently audited financial statements relating to 510 gaming operations owned by 243 federally recognized tribes across 29 states.
Based in London, Natasha is a former sports journalist with experience working for some of the biggest athletes & brands in the world of sports and iGaming.