The state of Arizona saw a 13% rise in gaming revenue for 2005, compared to 6% nationally. It is now the 12th largest gaming economy in the country and its revenue from the tribal casinos was up 14% from the previous year. In June 2006 the Arizona Office of Tourism completed a study that showed that visitors to tribal attractions and resorts stay longer and spend more than in other areas.

Arizona has Class III gaming, and 22 tribes operate 32 casinos within its borders. Visitor satisfaction is high, with gambling only part of the tourist facilities. The gaming revenue from Arizona’s tribal casinos is the third largest in the country, reaching US$1.6 billion in 2005. Pari-mutuel revenues in Arizona, however, are in decline. 2005 figures continue the recent downward trend although the industry remains relatively stable.

The prediction for all legalised gambling in Arizona seems to be that growth will slow following the bumper growth of the last few years. In 2005 visitors to the state’s racetracks and Indian casinos together with players of the lottery and charitable raffles spent US$1.9 billion. That is nowhere near the US$11.7 billion gambled in Nevada or the US$10.3 billion in California, but Arizona was recently the state ranked number one in the USA in terms of population growth. The gaming industry should grow apace. (E-01.10.07)

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