Report: Indian casinos revenue up slightly in 2011

A report says Indian casinos posted higher revenue in 2011 despite a weak economy.

The study, "Casino City's Indian Gaming Industry Report," released Wednesday, says that revenue rose 3 percent, to $27.4 billion.

Indian casinos account for about 43 percent of total casino gambling revenue, just slightly less than 45 percent for commercial casinos.

Race track casinos account for the rest.

Indian gambling was slowing before the start of the recession in late 2007 due to legislation, regulations and court decisions.

Alan Meister, the industry report's author, says restrictions include the types of games offered by Indian casinos, the states where gambling is permitted and other limits.

The report says the outlook for Indian gambling looks healthy because the economy is expected to continue improving, restoring consumer spending.

In addition, many tribes are upgrading, expanding and replacing casinos.

The top states, which include Arizona, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin and New York, account for 86 percent of total Indian casino revenue.

Ironically, the weak economy has helped spur casino growth among states seeking more revenue, Meister said.

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