Revenues at tribal casinos grew by five percent in 2007, the National Indian Gaming Commission reported on Wednesday.

The casinos took in $26.0 billion last year, up from $24.9 billion in 2006. It was the first time in a decade that tribal gaming hasn't enjoyed a double-digit increase, the Associated Press reported.

"The continued growth is significant considering recent economic struggles throughout the country. Indian gaming continues to be an important factor in local economies by providing much needed jobs throughout Indian country and other economic development," NIGC Chairman Phil Hogen said in a press release. "The Indian gaming industry has experienced tremendous growth since the inception of the Indian Gaming Regulatory Act (IGRA) twenty years ago in 1988 when the Indian gaming industry saw revenues of $200 million, to now over $26 billion in 2007."

The largest growth took place in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. The region generated revenues of $2.6 billion in 2007, a 20 percent increase from the $2.1 billion in 2006.

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Tribal casinos continue growth in 2007 (AP 6/19)
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