Native American gaming is giving California a significant economic boost.
Tribal-owned casinos pumped about $8 billion into the state’s economy during 2012, while non-gaming operations – hotels, spas, entertainment – generated another $2.3 billion, according to a study released Monday.
The report was put together by Beacon Economic in Los Angeles on behalf of the non-profit California Nations Indian Gaming Association.
Seventeen tribes participated in the study, including three in the Inland Empire: the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, the Cabazon Band of Mission Indians and the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians.
Revenue from gaming operations alone were up 7.2 percent in 2012 compared with 2010, according to the report.
All of the state’s tribes were asked to participate in the study, which did not break down revenues generated by specific casinos. It also did not examine any possible harm to the environment and surrounding neighborhoods caused by those operations.