Indian gaming is a nearly US$23 billion industry in the United States and the state of California claimed a 31.5% share of it in 2005. The strong growth has been attributed to the fact that Indian gaming in California is located nearer to population centres and in many cases offers high quality gaming with resort facilities. At present there are 57 Indian casinos in California and the state is considered ripe for further growth.

Alan Meister, an economist with the Analysis Group in Los Angeles, says that California has the largest share of US gamblers and its residents visit casinos more often than gamblers in any other state. Substantial growth in the casino market is predicted, particularly for operations with expansion projects for non-gaming activities. Gaming revenue from US Indian gaming rose 15.6% last year but non-gaming revenue increased by 17.7%.

Oklahoma may win in the number stakes, it has 90 Indian casinos, but cannot match California’s top place for gaming revenue, which was US$7.2 billion last year and over three times higher than the next highest grossing state Connecticut. Nevada’s Las Vegas may not feel the effect of California gaming, but casino revenue in Reno and Laughlin has shown a decline. Proposed further expansion of Indian gaming in California is being contested by some local communities. (E-06.22.06)

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