Tribal government gaming in California, including the casinos operated by 10 gaming tribes in San Diego County, has a $7.5 billion annual impact and supports more than 52,000 jobs for residents, according to a new study commissioned by the California Nations Indian Gaming Association (CNIGA). Daniel Tucker, chairman of the Sycuan tribe in El Cajon, serves as chairman of CNIGA. The study’s key findings include:
— Tribal gaming generates $7.5 billion for California’s economy. More than half of that amount ($3.9 billion), was generated outside of direct spending from the gaming operations.
— California tribal gaming creates more than 52,000 jobs and $2.7 billion in income for Californians. The study estimated that upwards of 80 percent of casino employees are non-tribal members, and any tribal gaming jobs are filled by lower-skilled workers
— Tribal government gaming operations generate $467 million in state and local revenues, and non-gaming operations provide an additional $47 million in state and local revenues.
— Revenue generated by tribal gaming provides essential support to non-gaming tribes, funding a range of services including education, health care and housing. Non-gaming tribes receive up to $1.1 million annually from the Revenue Sharing Trust Fund. To date, the analysis shows that $818 million has been distributed to help reduce the reliance of non-gaming tribes on state and local governments.
“California tribes made a promise to California voters: we promised we would provide for our people and land as governments, we would provide jobs for our people and our neighbors, we would be good neighbors sharing responsibility for services like fire and police and environmental protection, as well as supporting nonprofits and public entities that contribute to the quality of life in our regions,” said Tucker.
