Casino City releases Indian gaming industry report

NEWTON, Massachusetts -- (PRESS RELEASE) -- Casino City Press today announced the release of the 2008-2009 edition of the Indian Gaming Industry Report – the most comprehensive, up-to-date study of Indian gaming available – authored by Dr. Alan Meister, an economist with Analysis Group, Inc., who has done extensive research and analysis on Indian gaming issues.

The Report provides calendar year 2007 nationwide statistics and state-by-state statistics (the latter not available anywhere else) including gaming and non-gaming revenue, Class II vs. Class III gaming, number of facilities, tribes, gaming machines, table games, market summaries, trends, and the fiscal impact of Indian gaming, including revenue sharing with state and local governments.

The Report includes comparisons across states, comparisons to commercial casinos and racinos, an economic impact analysis examining Indian gaming's contribution to the U.S. economy, a detailed breakdown of its fiscal benefits, and an analysis of its future. A chart showing gaming revenue at Indian gaming facilities from 1988 to 2007 is included for print with this release.

Some key findings:

* Gaming revenue at Indian gaming facilities was approximately $26.5 billion in 2007.

* Indian gaming revenue grew 5% in 2007, down significantly from prior years (15% in 2005, 10% in 2006).

* The top 2 states, California and Connecticut, generated 39% of total gaming revenue at Indian gaming facilities.

* The states that experienced the most growth in Indian gaming revenue in 2007 were Wyoming (66.5% growth) and Alaska (32.2% growth).

* Indian gaming continued to make significant contributions to the U.S. economy in terms of output, jobs, and wages.

Regarding the 5% growth rate for 2007, Dr. Meister said, "Amidst a struggling economy, Indian gaming experienced modest growth in 2007. The slower growth was attributable to the slowdown in the general economy, as well as public policies designed to restrict the supply of Indian gaming."

Casino City's Indian Gaming Industry Report is relied upon by the gaming industry, other related industries, government/regulatory agencies, and the investment community, and is frequently cited by the press.

As in previous years, this study continues to be the product of independent academic research and neither Dr. Meister nor Analysis Group was commissioned to do the study.