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Tribes Reap in Casino Benefits

WASHINGTON, DC – As reported by the Arizona Republic: "Tribal casinos have lifted the fortunes of Arizona's Gila River Indian Community.

"Tribal Gov. Richard Narcia told an audience in Washington on Monday that since launching gambling operations in 1994, the tribal government's annual budget has skyrocketed, to $100 million from $5 million, giving it a chance to improve basic public safety programs such as a paid fire department.

"Hoping to improve the image of Indian gambling, several national tribal leaders assembled in Washington to tout what they say is their industry's positive economic effect on American Indian communities across the country.

"…About 20,000 Indians, including at least 150 from Arizona, are expected in town this week to take part in the festivities marking the occasion.

"The association, in addition to speeches by tribal leaders from Connecticut to California, released a 24-page report about the effects of gambling operations conducted by 220 Indian tribes nationwide.

"The association said gambling was responsible for 500,000 jobs and contributed $4.7 billion in federal taxes in the same year.

"An additional $1.6 billion landed in state government coffers from Indian gambling dollars.

"The National Indian Gaming Commission, a federal agency that monitors tribal gambling, reports that the industry generated $16.7 billion in revenues in 2003…"

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