Revenue Falls At Indian Casinos For First Time Ever
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) -- An economist says that for the first time, revenue has fallen at American Indian gambling casinos nationwide.
Alan Meister says in the Indian Gaming Industry Report released Wednesday that casinos generated about $26.4 billion in 2009, down 1 percent from 2008. He says the decline was triggered by a recession that forced consumers to cut spending.
The report noted that more than 200 Indian tribes operated nearly 450 casinos in 28 states. Revenue from food and beverages, lodging, entertainment and shopping declined 4 percent to $3.2 billion in 2009.
Meister says public policies that restrict Indian gambling helped slow the rate of revenue growth before the recession.
Meister says the highest revenue growth in 2009 was in Alabama, Alaska, Nebraska and Wyoming. Revenue declined at Indian casinos in Arizona, Connecticut, Iowa and Mississippi.
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