The Arizona Department of Gaming says revenue from tribal casinos in the first quarter of the fiscal year was about half of what it was in the same quarter last year.
The state received nearly $14 million from the gaming facilities. The drop was mostly due to the COVID-19 pandemic that forced the closure of casinos throughout the state. Tribes voluntarily put gaming on hold months ago amid the worsening outbreak.
The Navajo Nation’s four casinos, one of which is located in Arizona, remain closed but tribal leaders are drawing up plans to gradually reopen the reservation. Revenue from tribal gaming in Arizona benefits education, emergency services, wildlife conservation and other areas.
Sixteen tribes operate 23 casinos in Arizona.
