What State Has the Most Tribal Casinos?

At the beginning of 2020, the US recognized 574 tribes. Many tribes operate casinos across US states, and over 500 tribal casinos operate in various states. The IGRA (Indian Gaming Regulatory) Act of 1988 gave all Indian tribes the legal right to build and operate gaming venues in their respective reservations. 

Tribal gaming venues have grown massively since then, and currently, Oklahoma has the most Indian tribal casinos. There are currently tribal casinos in 29 US states. Interestingly, tribal gaming venues have generated almost 45% of all casino gaming revenue in the US. Our experts at CasinoTopsOnline investigate the latest numbers and statistics.

Tribal Casinos Classifications

All casinos are classified by type: Class I, Class II, and Class III. 

• Class I

This type of gaming refers to games played during social events or ceremonies. It can also include traditional gaming where small prizes are involved. These games can take place without licensing or a license.

• Class II

This class includes games of chance such as keno, bingo, non-banked card games, and pull tabs. These games must take place with oversight from the NIGC. Furthermore, these games can be offered at a tribal casino if the state prohibits them. Tribes don’t need to enter gaming compacts before offering these games at their gaming venues. In other words, Tribes must reach agreements between tribal governments and the state.

• Class III

This class covers all real money games not specified in Class I and II. Casino games included are slots, blackjack, craps, and roulette. Tribes must enter into tribal compacts before offering these games, and the federal government must approve them.

States With the Most Tribal Casinos

Below is a table that depicts the top 10 states with the most tribal gaming venues and their respective gaming tribes. These numbers include Class I, Class II, and Class III tribal casinos. Oklahoma has the most tribal gaming venues at 140, and California has the most gaming tribes at 68.

US State	Gaming Tribes	Tribal Casinos
Oklahoma	32	140
California	68	77
Minnesota	11	40
Washington	24	36
Wisconsin/New Mexico	11/14	27/27
Arizona	16	26
Michigan	12	24
New York	4	16
Montana/South Dakota	6/8	13/13
North Dakota	5	12

Tribal Casinos Fiscal Year Revenues for 2021

The onset of the pandemic in 2020 forced tribal gaming venues to close their doors, resulting in overall gross revenue for tribal gaming venues plummeting by 20%. However, the casinos quickly updated their health and safety challenges to jump right back into the business. 

As per the fiscal year 2021 gross revenue figures released in August 2022, tribal casinos’ revenue increased by 40.2% in 2021. Compared to pre-COVID figures, gross revenue increased by 12.9%.

The total gross revenue for all tribal gaming venues is the highest it’s ever been at $39 billion. South Dakota performed the best with a 56% increase in revenue. The second was Tulsa at 49.9%, and the third was Oklahoma with a 46.7% increase.

With the advent of tribal casinos joining the online gaming industry, the fiscal year revenue for 2022 is expected to be even better. The tribal casino industry is very resilient as it adapts to the needs of its customers.