California Gambling Report Key Findings Released

CALIFORNIA -- As reported by the San Francisco Chronicle: A new report released by the California Research Bureau provides a snapshot of the fast-growing gambling industry. It is now a business that's
  generating at least $13 billion in annual revenue. Here are some of the key findings of the report.

-- As of 2004, Indian casinos accounted for almost half of all gambling revenue in California -- an estimated $5.78 billion. About $4 billion was wagered on horse racing, $3 billion was spent on lottery cards and $655 million was bet at card clubs.

-- Sixty-six of California's 108 federally recognized Indian tribes have compacts to run casinos, and 61 are already operating gambling centers. Another 67 tribal groups are seeking federal recognition and thus the potential to run casinos.

-- California's Indian casinos earn more money than tribal casinos in any other state. As of 2004, they accounted for 58,100 gambling machines, 1,820 table games and extensive bingo operations.

-- Non-gambling revenue at California's Indian casinos -- hotels, restaurants, shops -- totaled an estimated $545 million in 2004.

One of the most surprising findings in the report is that up to 90 percent of all Indian casino employees statewide are non-Indians, indicating that the clubs create thousands of jobs for people from surrounding communities.