Arizona tribes share gaming revenues with charities

Friday, January 19, 2007  

Arizona tribes are using their gaming revenues to help charities and non-profits across the state.

The tribes reported $1.8 billion in gross gaming revenue in the last fiscal year. They contributed $91.7 million to state and local governments.

Beyond that amount, tribes are giving to organizations Red Cross, American Diabetes Association, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and other local groups. "It's just our way of giving back," a tribal spokesperson said.

Gaming has helped tribal members as well. On the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation, poverty rates declined from 28 percent to 17 percent. Household incomes have nearly tripled since the introduction of casinos.

Get the Story:
Gaming boosts Indians' charity, incomes (The Arizona Republic 1/19)