- Details
- By Levi Rickert
Indian gaming revenues soared to a historic high in 2022, reaching nearly $41 billion, the National Indian Gaming Commission (NIGC) reported Wednesday.
The NIGC said gross gaming revenue (GGR) for fiscal year 2022 grew 5% to $40.9 billion, an increase of nearly $2 billion over fiscal 2021. The highly anticipated announcement was made at the Chickasaw Naton’s WinStar World Casino and Resort in Thackerville, Oklahoma.
According to E. Sequoyah Simermeyer (Coharie), chairman of the NIGC, the GGR figure is an aggregate of revenue from 519 audited financial statements of 244 tribes that operate Indian gaming operations in 29 states in the United States.
Seven of NIGC’s eight regions showed an increase over FY 2021. It is important to note the year-over-year GGR change by region should not be used as a direct indicator of the local economy in any specific region. Many other factors could have an impact on the GGR at the regional level, such as new gaming operations, expansions or renovations to existing operations, temporary or permanent closures, or changes in a gaming operation’s fiscal year.
Make A Monthly Donation Here
“I want to say that in general Indian gaming continues to do well, despite the historic challenge of tribal casino closures that began in March 2020 due to the pandemic,” Simermeyer said.
“This year’s historic revenue reflects the resiliency of many tribal gaming operations, and how tribal gaming continues to rebound and remain strong. Tribal governments and the operations they license continue to explore new and innovative ways to expand and deliver world-class experiences to cultivate sustainable economies. Across Indian country, tribes pursue economic sustainability through gaming by relying on the robust regulatory reputation for which Indian gaming is well known, and made better when supported by efficient and effective measures,” Simermeyer said.
Chairman Ernie Stevens, Jr, chairman of the Indian Gaming Association, said in a telephone interview with Native News Online on Wednesday afternoon from Washington, D.C. that he was pleased with the numbers.
“We always keep our fingers crossed when these numbers are released, but I am pleased to see the rebound from the pandemic era and continue to grow,” Stevens said. “It’s a credit to our tribal leaders, casino operators, managers, and regulators, who are continuing to make what is good, much better through their hard work and dedication. We see it as a responsibility to our tribal communities.”
Also on hand for the announcement in Oklahoma was NIGC Vice Chair Jeannie Hovland (Flandreau Santee Sioux), who has traveled to various Indian gaming facilities during the past year.
“I visited tribal nations whose gaming revenues have empowered through tribal sovereignty, created self-sustaining economies, diversified their business ventures, and alleviated financial hardships,” Hovland said. “I have seen how gaming revenues have improved the quality of life for many who have access to quality health care, clean water, renewable energy resources, higher education opportunities, and much needed social and welfare programs.”
“In short, gaming revenues have helped to preserve the ways of the last seven generations and allowed tribes to plan for the next generations,” Hovland continued.
Indian gaming was established through the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act by the United States Congress on October 17, 1988, to regulate the conduct of gaming on Indian Lands. IGRA establishes the National Indian Gaming Commission and the regulatory structure for Indian gaming in the United States. The Commission is composed of three full-time members, a chairman and two associate members. The NIGC chairman is appointed by the President, with advice and approval by the U.S. Senate, and the two associate members are appointed by the Secretary of Interior.
“Across Indian Country, tribes pursue economic sustainability through gaming by relying on the robust regulatory reputation for which Indian gaming is well known, and made better when supported by efficient and effective measures,” said Simermeyer.
To view the FY 2022 GGR report, click here.
More Stories Like This
Native News Weekly (August 25, 2024): D.C. BriefsUS Presidents in Their Own Words Concerning American Indians
Native News Weekly (August 4, 2024): D.C. Briefs
Seattle Seahawks Tackle Preservation Projects at Daybreak Star Indian Cultural Center for Annual Day of Service
Native News Weekly (June 15, 2025): D.C. Briefs
Help us tell the stories that could save Native languages and food traditions
At a critical moment for Indian Country, Native News Online is embarking on our most ambitious reporting project yet: "Cultivating Culture," a three-year investigation into two forces shaping Native community survival—food sovereignty and language revitalization.
The devastating impact of COVID-19 accelerated the loss of Native elders and with them, irreplaceable cultural knowledge. Yet across tribal communities, innovative leaders are fighting back, reclaiming traditional food systems and breathing new life into Native languages. These aren't just cultural preservation efforts—they're powerful pathways to community health, healing, and resilience.
Our dedicated reporting team will spend three years documenting these stories through on-the-ground reporting in 18 tribal communities, producing over 200 in-depth stories, 18 podcast episodes, and multimedia content that amplifies Indigenous voices. We'll show policymakers, funders, and allies how cultural restoration directly impacts physical and mental wellness while celebrating successful models of sovereignty and self-determination.
This isn't corporate media parachuting into Indian Country for a quick story. This is sustained, relationship-based journalism by Native reporters who understand these communities. It's "Warrior Journalism"—fearless reporting that serves the 5.5 million readers who depend on us for news that mainstream media often ignores.
We need your help right now. While we've secured partial funding, we're still $450,000 short of our three-year budget. Our immediate goal is $25,000 this month to keep this critical work moving forward—funding reporter salaries, travel to remote communities, photography, and the deep reporting these stories deserve.
Every dollar directly supports Indigenous journalists telling Indigenous stories. Whether it's $5 or $50, your contribution ensures these vital narratives of resilience, innovation, and hope don't disappear into silence.
The stakes couldn't be higher. Native languages are being lost at an alarming rate. Food insecurity plagues many tribal communities. But solutions are emerging, and these stories need to be told.
Support independent Native journalism. Fund the stories that matter.
Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Editor & Publisher
