The Arizona Department of Gaming reported a 4% decline in gaming contributions from Arizona tribes compared with the same time last year, according to information released by the state on Wednesday.

Tribes in the state will contribute about $18 million to the state’s benefit fund for the third quarter of 2021, according to a state press release.

That revenue goes toward educational programs, emergency services and trauma centers, funds wildlife and habitat conservation and funds statewide tourism promotion. Two percent supports the education, prevention and treatment of problem gambling.

Arizona Department of Gaming Director Ted Vogt said he was grateful for the strong relationship with tribes across the state despite the downturn.

“(The tribe’s) gaming contributions help fund instructional improvement programs like classroom size reduction, teacher salary increases and dropout prevention, reimbursement to hospitals for unrecovered trauma and emergency services costs, the enhancement  and restoration of Arizona’s diverse wildlife resources, the promotion tourism within the state, and more,” said
Mr. Vogt. “While we did see a small decrease in contributions this quarter, I believe that the overall strength of Arizona’s economy and the resiliency of Tribal gaming in the state will make this downturn
short-lived.”

The drop in revenue likely was caused by the continuing effects of the pandemic as not as many residents are visiting the state’s casinos.