The Arizona Benefits Fund is thriving thanks to contributions from tribal gaming.
The Arizona Department of Gaming says tribal gaming contributions to the fund in the fiscal year 2022 has shattered the yearly record. This is welcome news for supporters of Arizona Casinos and legalized sports betting in Arizona.
Gaming in the Grand Canyon State is at an all-time high. The question is, how will the state of Arizona benefit?
Arizona Tribal Gaming has huge fourth quarter
The ADG reports that the Arizona Benefits Fund received more than $38 million in contributions from tribal gaming for the fourth quarter of the fiscal year 2022. The high-performing quarter brings the total contributions from tribal gaming to $123,608,203 for this fiscal year.
That total breaks all records over a year-long span. Ted Vogt, the director of the ADG, says he is happy to see the excitement surrounding Arizona Casinos.
“I am ecstatic to see the highest levels of tribal contributions to the State following the Amended Tribal-State Gaming Compact signed by Governor Ducey last year,” said Vogt. “With over $21 million more in total contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund when compared to the next highest fiscal year, it is safe to say 2022 was historic for Arizona tribal gaming.”
Currently, there are 24 casinos in Arizona that provide funding to the fund, which the ADG regulates with Arizona’s tribes.
How funds from tribal casinos help Arizona
Under the Arizona Tribal Gaming Compacts, tribes with casinos contribute 88% of their gaming revenue each year to the state, counties and cities and the Arizona Benefits Fund. The money goes to help support instructional improvement in schools, trauma and emergency care, tourism and wildlife conservation throughout the state.
Contributions to the Arizona Benefits Fund for the fourth quarter are as follows:
- Instructional Improvement Fund/Education: $20,734,348
- Trauma and Emergency Services Fund: $9,573,414
- Arizona Department of Gaming operating costs: $2,158,631
- Arizona Wildlife Conservation Fund: $2,735,261
- Tourism Fund: $2,735,261
- Problem Gambling Education, Treatment and Prevention: $479,673
Since 2002, tribal gaming has contributed more than $1.82 billion in total revenue to Arizona. Click here to see the total tribal gaming donations year by year.
