Good alternative to those in search of conference facilities in Arizona
Arizona’s Indian casinos took in $1.6 billion last year, making this the third-most-lucrative Indian gaming state for the second year in a row. Arizona’s gaming tribes collectively took in 14 percent more revenue in 2005 than in 2004. That growth rate is down from 18 percent the previous year and fails to keep pace with a 16 percent national growth rate. Gaming “got a nice little boost” when Arizona voters approved new compacts with the tribes three years ago, Meister said. Under Proposition 202, tribes agreed to share up to 8 percent of their revenue with the state in exchange for more slot machines and table games. As tribes reach their legal limit of machines and casinos, they face the challenge of making more money with the same facilities. Tribes here and around the country are doing that by renovating old casinos and adding hotels, conference centers, spas and golf courses. Non-gaming casino operations generated $154.5 million in the state last year, a 14 percent increase, according to the report. Many business meetings and conferences have found that meeting in casinos provides a nice diversion for their audience Sheila Morago, executive director for the Arizona Indian Gaming Association, pointed out that revenue increased by 14 percent even though tribes added only 3 percent more slot machines and table games.
“Casinos are part of what makes Arizona Arizona,” she said. “It’s added to its entertainment options.” The report also showed that Indian gaming is closing the gap on commercial gaming, growing at three times the rate. Nationally, tribal-owned casinos posted $22.7 billion in revenue, compared with $29.6 billion in the commercial sector.
Indian casinos are challenged because they are spread out around the country. For that reason, Las Vegas and its cluster of corporate casinos will always be at the top of gamblers’ minds, Meister said. But, he added, tribes can vie for customers who want a low-cost day trip or weekend getaway close to home.
