Ariz. Indian casinos feel weak economy

TUCSON, Ariz. - Weak economic conditions mean fewer dollars coming into Arizona's Indian casinos.

It also means a drop in the amount of dollars flowing to the state. Arizona received $25 million in the three months ending Sept. 30, down from $27.6 million a year ago.

Arizona gets cash from casinos under the 2003 Arizona-Tribal Gaming Compact.

Although revenues are down, the Arizona Indian Gaming Association says state tribes rank fourth in the nation for gaming revenue.

Gaming officials say that as the economy slips, gamblers have less disposable income to play with.

Since the gaming compact was passed, tribes have given more than $471 million to towns, cities, counties and the state for wildlife conservation, tourism, problem gambling education and treatment, among other things.

The money comes from revenue generated by slot machines, poker, blackjack, keno, bingo and off-track pari-mutuel betting in 23 casinos.